Fleet skills audit call to prepare for challenges ahead

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is urging fleet decision-makers to audit their skills ahead of the challenges 2021 is likely to bring.

Paul Hollick, chair of the fleet representative and training body, said that having the right competencies could make the difference between success and failure in what promises to be a very challenging year.

He explained: “We’ve been looking very closely at fleet manager skillsets in drawing up our new AFP Training Academy calendar for 2021 and it is clear to us that new demands are being placed on people working in our sector at a probably unprecedented pace.

“Part of this is structural change with the ongoing shift in role over time from fleet to mobility manager, while others are very much linked to the moment and the myriad of issues generated by the pandemic, the arrival of EVs, Brexit and more.

“What we would say to fleet managers is to look at the challenges facing you and audit your skills to ensure that you have the required expertise. Things are moving very quickly and there is a definite need to stay current.”
The AFP has worked hard to look at not just the content of its training for 2021, but how they were delivered in the light of current circumstances, says Hollick.

“The AFP Training Academy draws on the expertise of the Institute of Car Fleet Management and its unrivalled 28-year track record in offering the highest quality training to the fleet sector,” he continued.

“However, it is all about delivering options that are right for today, and we are placing a greater accent on providing courses that can be delivered online and remotely, and placing more emphasis on time and cost-effectiveness.”
The AFP is reporting a lot of interest in training at the moment, both from individuals and corporates. “We are aiming to meet that demand in new ways that are suitable for the new fleet normal,” said Hollick.

Focussed learning units

Conventional AFP training is geared towards the awarding of accreditations for individuals but sometimes people just want to learn how to do things, explains Hollick. “The units, which we are in the process of creating, would do just that – teach practical expertise in a single area. It’s an approach that we believe could make a lot of sense in 2021 and we plan to announce more details soon.”

The planned AFP Fleet Academy Training Modules for 2021 are: January 5, Diploma - Advanced Finance; March 23, Fast Track - People Management; April 20, Fast Track Administration and Finance; May 11, Diploma Advanced Interpersonal Skills; June 8, Diploma Administration and Control; June 22, Fast Track Acquisition and Law; September 7, Fast Track People Management; October 12, Fast Track Administration and Finance; December 1, Diploma Acquisition and Disposal; and December 14, Fast Track Acquisition and Law.