The ICFM has launched a new training programme for fleet suppliers to help drive up standards in the industry.

Its corporate investor programme is aimed at employers who provide a wide range of products and services to fleets, including contract hire and leasing companies, daily rental operators, franchised dealers and risk management providers.

“Many businesses have acknowledged a skills shortage in terms of the fleet management knowledge of their employees,” said Paul Hollick, ICFM chairman.

“By launching the corporate investor programme, ICFM is saying to organisations that it can provide training to all employees whose workload touches on fleet management.”

The ICFM announced the programme at its annual conference. It is also hoping the new training initiative will help boost membership beyond its current 800 tally to more than 1,000 for the first time.

Hollick continued: “Businesses that have contacted ICFM have acknowledged they are frequently asking employees to perform a role in which they have limited experience and little knowledge.

“While employers can deliver soft skills, they frequently do not have the resources to develop staff to their full potential.

“Businesses that are selling products and services to fleets need to ensure all their customer-facing staff understand how company car and van fleets function.”

Training for fleet decision-makers is at three levels linked to experience: associate, member and fellow, with 12 months membership costing £60, £70 and £80 respectively.

That gives access to ICFM training courses at three distinct levels: introductory certificate in fleet management; certificate in fleet management; and diploma in fleet management.

The new corporate investor programme provides employers with four levels of membership tailored to employee numbers and specific requirements.

An affiliate investor will pay £1,000 for a 12-month membership, which gives them the opportunity to attend organisation events, including the annual conference and seminars.

Corporate investor membership will be targeted at businesses employing 10-50 people engaged in fleet-related activity.

Cost is dependent on the number of employees to be included, with benefits similar to that of affiliate investors.

For businesses employing more than 50 people, ICFM offers a tailored corporate investor package, with benefits and pricing following the corporate investor membership.

Finally, its tailored corporate investor plus membership package provides a step-up in support via a consultancy service geared to analysing, assessing and accrediting organisation’s internal training processes and procedures. ICFM will work in tandem with an employer’s own internal trainers. Cost is on application.

Hollick said: “Investment in ICFM adds credibility and value to businesses and their employees, and provides an invaluable network of contacts.”

At the same time as launching its enhanced training programme, ICFM has revealed a new look and is refreshing its website.

The training body has shortened its name from the Institute of Car Fleet Management to ICFM and introduced a new logo featuring the strapline ‘raising the standards of fleet professionals’.

The new website will go live on January 1, 2017. 

Hollick said: “The whole rebrand is designed to bring a near 25-year-old organisation into the 21st century.”

 

 

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