Online fleet management course launched by ICFM

ICFM has launched a new online distance learning course at the Intermediate Certificate level in car and LCV fleet management.

The new online distance learning course is an enhancement of ICFM’s current paper-based Intermediate Certificate level distance learning arrangement, the content of which mirrors the ‘fast-track’ training room-based tutor-led programme.

The ‘fast-track’ programme consists of five core competences delivered via three modules that are completed in less than nine months with job-based assignments and knowledge reviews after each module. The content embraces: managing people in the fleet arena and communication and relationships; fleet administration, finance, acquisition and law.

The new online distance learning programme has identical content to the ‘fast-track’ course and covers the same five core competencies, but they are available as individual modules, or as a combined five-module purchase. It is a fully interactive training programme that provides a brief overview of each section covered in the five modules, with multi-choice and ‘drag and drop’ answer options that drive a ‘student’s’ results. The successful completion of all five modules culminates in the awarding of the ICFM Intermediate Certificate in Car and LCV Fleet Management. Online tutor support is also available if required. Accompanying study notes are available as PDF downloads.

Peter Eldridge, ICFM director and a lead tutor, said: “We have historically had a steady stream of members purchase the previous ‘hard back’ Distance Learning modules, both as a learning tool to support a perceived area of weakness in their fleet expertise involving a specific subject, or as the complete five-module set, to obtain ICFM Certificate level qualification, in preference to attending the tutor-led course.”  

He continued: “Naturally, we want to encourage more fleet decision-makers to complete the whole intermediate course through to the awarding of their Intermediate Certificate, but equally we recognise that having the individual modules available as an online learning facility is an important provision for our members and we will continue to accommodate both options.”

Eldridge added: “The online course has been launched because the way the new generation of fleet decision-makers are working and studying is changing and ICFM wants to give those people an online option. They want to be able to study when they have time during the day - that maybe while on a train, for example - and not have to do it at home after a full day’s work and with family considerations. Distance learning can be very time consuming and not all ‘students’ want to be in a training room environment.”