The Assessor Winter 2026 PDF - Flipbook - Page 13
damage occurs is key to ensuring the
correct methods of recalibration are
followed.
There have also been advancements
in powertrains with hybrid and EV
vehicles. The safety implications of
working on these vehicles, both from
the point of view of safe shutdown to
isolate the system during repairs and
that in some newer vehicles, the EV
battery forms part of the sub structure
of the vehicle, which also needs to be
considered when categorising salvage.
In adapting to these advancing
technologies, it is important for teams
to keep up with CPD, whether this is
provided through institutions – such as
the IAEA or IMI, or internally through
mutual discussion when new scenarios
arise – and sharing those experiences
for future reference.
Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES
FACING MOTOR ENGINEERS
IN 2025?
As well as the advancements in vehicle
technology, I think one of the other
key issues facing the engineering
sector and the motor trade in general,
now, is the skills shortage. Whilst
there are some good apprenticeship
programmes trying their best to
promote the industry and showing
some success in repairers with panel
beating and paint spraying, there is
a signi昀椀cant shortage of skilled and
quali昀椀ed VDAs.
The natural progression would have
been for VDAs to then look at a career
in engineering, however through a
combination of the shortage and
repairers offering signi昀椀cant salaries
to retain skilled and quali昀椀ed VDAs,
the engineering sector is now seeing a
decline of those seeking progression.
Insurer engineers’ fees have also
remained stagnant for some time
meaning that budgets for engineers
are squeezed and the salaries often
cannot now keep up with those offered
to VDAs by repairers.
Q: WHAT VALUE CAN THE IAEA
BRING TO ITS MEMBERS?
I think the IAEA needs to ensure –
through CPD – that it helps members
stay up-to-date with the advancing
technologies. The regional meetings
are important as they give an
opportunity to collaborate, maybe
some of these could be via remote
access so that those with busy
schedules and unable to travel can still
attend. Engaging with Government
and trade stakeholders could also
assist in upholding the professionalism
that being a Member brings and
promote additional Membership.
Q: OVER THE PAST FEW
YEARS, THE IAEA COUNCIL
HAVE BEEN WORKING IN
THE BACKGROUND WITH
PARTNERS, SYSTEMS AND
SOLUTIONS TO MAKE THE
IAEA MORE RESILIENT,
AND RELEVANT IN THE
MARKETPLACE. WHAT ARE
SOME OF THE CHANGES
MOST NOTEWORTHY?
The IAEA’s 昀椀ve-year plan of 2020-25
has already seen the Institute ensure
its resilience with a review of its IT
Paul and his wife are pictured with Nick Poole,
former ice hockey player and coach, on the
ice after winning a 50/50 draw.
systems and technology. A refreshed
website with a Member’s area with CPD
opportunities to review and access
to some regional area reports is a
great improvement. The IAEA being
the provider of AQP certi昀椀cation in
association with the ABI has ensured
the Institute remains relevant.
Q: WHAT ACTIONS CAN
MEMBERS EXPECT TO
SEE OVER THE NEXT
12 MONTHS?
Although I have only been on Council
for a short period, it is clear there is a
mandate to look at Membership levels
and what the Institute can do attract
new Members.
Q: FINALLY, OUTSIDE OF WORK
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY?
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIME
“OFF-DUTY”!
When away from the workplace I have
four children: aged 昀椀ve, four and twins
aged two, which keeps me and the
wife very much on our toes.
I also enjoy motorsport and follow
Formula 1, WEC and British Touring
Cars and try to attend at least a
couple of events over a season (family
allowing). I also enjoy ice hockey
and support the local team nearest
to Bedford which is Milton Keynes
Lightning.
JOURNAL
www.iaea-online.org/news/the-assessor | WINTER 2026 | THE ASSESSORS JOURNAL
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