TWO ground-breaking courses aimed at introducing a new era of professionalism to fleet management are gaining high level backing from the industry - but their organisers have renewed calls for the entire industry to take training seriously. The Institute of Car Fleet Management and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association both reported brisk business for their respective courses, which were launched last year.

The BVRLA's six-stage industry professional development programme, launched at the end of last year, has attracted several entrants, with promises of more from companies including PHH Vehicle Management, Interleasing, Associates Fleet Services, National Car Rental and Avis. The BVRLA course is run in conjunction with Nottingham University under the directorship of leading motor industry academic Peter Cooke, head of the centre for automotive industries management at Nottingham Business School, which is part of the university. It has six levels of study and runs from six months up to three years.

Colin Tourick, chairman of the BVRLA's leasing and fleet management training committee and managing director of Associates Fleet Services, said: 'There has been some high profile interest in the industry, but some people have been saying they will wait for a couple of years. The problem is if they wait, the course may not be here in three or four years time. We need to get people committed now.'

For more information on the ICFM scheme call 01844 261828 and for details of the BVRLA course, call 01494 545703.