Fleet management is a demanding role that necessitates constant upskilling to maintain efficiency and compliance in the transport industry.
- Regular refresher courses are essential to keep up-to-date with evolving legislation, ensuring compliance and boosting confidence as a transport manager.
- Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT) courses provide critical knowledge on legal compliance, safeguarding the operator licence and preventing operational penalties.
- Health and Safety qualifications, such as the IOSH Managing Safely course, enhance a manager’s ability to oversee risk management and staff safety effectively.
- Staying current with industry news and trends is vital to remaining competitive and advancing one’s career in fleet management.
In the fast-paced world of fleet management, staying informed and continuously improving one’s skills are crucial for career development. A key recommendation for transport managers is to partake in regular refresher courses. These courses are pivotal, given the frequent changes in transport legislation. As advised by the Traffic Commissioners, a refresher every couple of years is beneficial not only for maintaining a good Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) but also for staying compliant with the operator licence. Transport Manager Refresher courses are concise, spanning two days and also contribute 14 hours towards the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training.
In addition to refresher courses, engaging in an Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT) course is a strategic move for any fleet manager. Although not mandatory, this course is highly recommended for enhancing one’s understanding of pertinent legislation and ensuring legal compliance, which is critical in preventing penalties. Completing an OLAT course alongside colleagues ensures a unified approach to operational compliance. The course’s duration is a single day and it counts 7 hours towards Driver CPC training.
Acquiring Health and Safety qualifications is another way for fleet managers to broaden their skill set. The well-regarded IOSH Managing Safely course is instrumental in improving one’s capacity to manage workplace safety, assess risks, and comprehend responsibilities. This qualification, obtained over a three-day online course, strengthens a manager’s reputation within the supply chain. For those who have already completed it, a refresher course is a fruitful way to further enhance these skills.
Achieving credentials through Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) training is yet another avenue for development. FORS accreditation is recognised for upholding high standards in operational efficiency, environmental protection, and safety. The varied courses are typically short, lasting a day or less, and can be scheduled throughout the year, allowing for flexible upskilling.
Finally, the importance of keeping abreast of industry news cannot be overstated. As the transport sector evolves with technological advancements, being informed about industry trends is crucial for proactive career advancement and the successful management of one’s fleet. Regularly engaging with industry news ensures that fleet managers remain competitive and informed, identifying opportunities for growth before they become mainstream.
Consistent learning and staying informed are fundamental to succeeding and advancing as a fleet manager.
