Prior to 2008 the HSE held a list of Asbestos Training Providers known as the ATPWG (Asbestos Training Providers’ Working Group). The need to raise standards of training within the asbestos industry was widely acknowledged and the formation of a trade association was suggested, which is how and why UKATA began. The inaugural meeting of UKATA was held in September, 2007 with 41 of the 50 training providers on the ATPWG list agreeing to join.

UKATA’s remit was to set standards, audit and manage the list of asbestos training providers, going forward. UKATA began trading in January 2008 and accepted applications from Licensed, Non Licensed and Asbestos Awareness Training Providers.