Places are filling up fast for the next ICFM Fast Track training course, which starts on April 4 and 5, 2017, but delegate spaces remain available.

The ICFM is dedicated to advancing the profession of car and light commercial fleet management and the Fast Track Intermediate Programme leads to students achieving a Certificate in Car Fleet Management qualification.

Study units are contained within three modules - one of two days duration and two of three days. That means it is possible for the Certificate qualification to be gained within an eight to nine-month timescale.

The course will be hosted by Ambit, the first company to sign-up to ICFM’s newly-launched Corporate Investor Programme as an Affiliate Investor, at its Oxford headquarters.

One of the delegates already signed up is Drew Spellar, commercial head at Ambit, a new business which in April will launch the Ambit app. Available on smartphones, tablet and desktop, it is targeted for use by anyone who manages vehicles in the workplace, particularly those in HR, finance or procurement roles with part-time vehicle management responsibility and limited experience, and perhaps little knowledge of fleet operations.

The Ambit app will enable drivers to confirm to their managers’ vehicle details and information relating to themselves for compliance purposes; assist with the completion of periodic vehicle checks; provide contact information in respect of a range of organisations such as breakdown and recovery companies, tyres and punctures, windscreen and glass and accidents/incidents; and deliver a wealth of fleet information and best practice advice on a “need to know” basis.

Spellar said: “Since Ambit became involved with ICFM as an Affiliate Investor, I have seen how much value the organisation delivers to the fleet industry. It therefore makes complete sense for me to put myself through the Fast Track course and, hopefully, gain the Certificate in Car Fleet Management qualification.

“I may not be a practicing fleet manager or have responsibility for vehicles in my job, but as my role at Ambit involves speaking daily to fleet decision-makers it is essential that I have a deep understanding of the issues impacting on them. That is why I’ve joined the ICFM’s Fast Track course.”

The Fast Track training course days on April 4 and 5 are followed with further modules taking place on June 6, 7 and 8 and September 5, 6 and 7.

The modules, which are designed for employees with fleet responsibility that may have a career background in fleet, HR, finance or procurement, cover: fleet communication and people management; fleet administration and finance including compiling fleet policies, funding options and optimising fleet performance; and acquisition and law including tendering for the supply of vehicles and services, legislative compliance and data protection.

ICFM director Peter Eldridge, who is also one of the course tutors, said: “Places are filling up fast for the ICFM’s next Fast Track training course, but there are a few spaces still available I would urge fleet decision-makers to book their place as quickly as possible.”