ONE of Britain’s leading leasing companies has thrown its support behind the importance of formal industry training by committing to put an entire department through a key fleet management course.

The entire team behind the Assign service at Appleyard Vehicle Contracts has committed to complete training under the Institute of Car Fleet Management to at least Certificate level as part of its commitment to understanding customer needs.

The Assign team of eight employees offers fleet customers support in key areas, such as driver communication, so knowledge of the industry is vital. All members of the team are Associate members of the ICFM and are taking training ranging from the starting level Certificate, right up to the Diploma.

Assign team manager Bryan Stringer is already taking the Diploma level course. According to managing director Alan Maude, the pledge is part of the commitment of staff to ensure they serve customers better.

He said: ‘It is an organisation focused on people and that means a lot to me. People want to be part of the team and make a difference.’

Other major supporters of the ICFM in industry include remarketing giant BCA, which regularly puts large numbers of its employees through the course.

ICFM training aims to lead to an academic qualification recognised and accepted by the car fleet industry as the requisite for the profession.

The ‘core’ training and education scheme is three-tier, leading to awards at Introductory Certificate, Certificate and Diploma levels.

The Introductory Module caters for new entrants to the car fleet function.

The Intermediate (Certificate) Module caters for members with operational (rather than strategic) responsibility in all aspects of car fleet management. It is available in supported distance-learning format (five modules) or residential tutor-based format (‘Fast -Track’ - three modules).

The Advanced (Diploma) Module covers advanced techniques, skills and knowledge required for strategic management of the entire fleet operation (or support services). It is delivered through four residential modules at Loughborough University Business School.

Assessment is via job-based assignment at Introductory level, assignment reports and examinations at Certificate level and projects and dissertation at Diploma level.

Call the ICFM for further details on training on 01462 744914 or log on to www.icfmonline.co.uk