FLEET management specialist Fleet Audits has thrown down the gauntlet to fleet managers to take action over training and invest time in gaining qualifications by offering training courses worth nearly £7,000 for free. Despite fleet industry calls for a higher level of training standards, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find fleet departments which believe in structured specialist training programmes, the firm says.

A spokesman said: 'The most common objections to training are that the courses are not relevant, the courses are too expensive and the courses are too long and remove the employee from the workplace for an unacceptable length of time. But our courses start from one-day introductions and cost under £700 without VAT. We intend to offer this introductory course free to the first 10 people to request a place.'

The course will be held on September 19 and a location will be chosen closest to the majority of delegates. For further details call 01730 266666.