Industry view wanted on CV technician licensing
irtec, the IRTE’s technician licensing scheme, is staying ahead of the game by asking industry to contribute to the Licence’s direction, following a review by the irtec Steering Committee (iSC).
Over the past few months, a full review of the irtec Licensing Scheme has been carried out to look at irtec’s key components.
IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) Head of Operations and Communications, Ian Chisholm said: “As a renewable licensing scheme, irtec demonstrates a technician’s current competence in the marketplace, and it is the job of the iSC to ensure the scheme reflects current industry requirements. This consultation will lead to a refreshed licence at renewal, guaranteeing a demonstration of current ability.”
Developed in 2000 by the IRTE, a Professional Sector of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), irtec is a renewable voluntary assessment scheme certifying the competence of technicians in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger carrying industries.
In 2010, IRTE entered into a joint arrangement with IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) to further strengthen irtec’s aims to improve industry competence and standards. IRTE and IMI will work together on future irtec developments and initiatives, to ensure irtec reflects the changing needs of employers and industry.
The iSC consists of key industry representatives, including manufacturers, operators and training providers; however, irtec wants to give the entire industry the opportunity to discuss the scheme through this wider consultation, which after ten years is respected as a benchmark of skill.
The two specific areas the iSC initially intend to revise are ‘Service Maintenance Technician’, and the introduction of a further ‘Inspection Technician’ level. These are the focus for any immediate development and irtec is keen to receive input from interested parties.
For more information about irtec and the consultation, which ends on 3rd September 2010, visit: www.irtec.org.uk.
Published: 17/08/2010
