New irtec inspection technician licences for all VOSA inspectors 09 January 2014

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) announced today (9 January 2014) that it is to put all its VOSA vehicle inspectors through a new training and assessment programme, leading to irtec qualification.

The programme, which will see some 500 vehicle inspectors and another 400 enforcement examiners irtec licensed over the next two years, will be delivered by senior VOSA staff and quality assured by the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry).

Successful candidates will achieve inspection technician irtec licences and IMI Awards QAA certification, as well as membership of the IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers).

VOSA chief operating officer Alex Fiddes says it's all about providing his inspectors with the highest quality education and training that is recognised throughout the industry.

"Already this week, four inspectors have been accredited. Six staff that joined recently as new entrants are now going though the programme. And IMI has presented three certificates to training and technical staff who will carry out assessments," states Fiddes.

"We are investing in the future of our staff and training them to a very high standard... My vision is that our vehicle inspectors will set the industry benchmark for staff doing periodic inspections and preparation for the annual test, and that we will encourage the industry to follow our example," he continues.

"The transport industry, which has always valued the professionalism and integrity of our inspectors, will also now have confidence that they are following industry best practice and delivering a first class service, with external accreditation," he adds.

Fiddes says that's important, not least because the actions VOSA inspectsors take at roadside or at the test lane can have dire consequences for operators.

"As we continue to expand our network of ATFs [Authorised Testing Facilities], our inspectors will be more highly skilled than ever, and well equipped to meet the needs of a demanding industry," he says.

"Through assessing and licensing road transport technicians on their skills and knowledge, irtec's objective is to raise standards across the sector and thereby improve vehicle maintenance and road safety," comments Ian Chisholm, head of operations and communications at IRTE's umbrella organisation SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).

"In putting their vehicle inspectors forward for irtec licences, DVSA is making a commitment to ensuring a standardised level of skills and knowledge among its testers, and is making a commitment to promoting overall vehicle safety and compliance across the road transport industry."

Says Fiddes: "We looked around and we believe irtec is an ideal accreditation, recognised by the transport industry. Through IRTE, it's all about improving standards and making industry more professional.

"People managing technicians carrying out periodic inspections need to assured that they are well trained, competent and up to date. How they do that is up to them. But I would commend schemes like irtec. We've chosen it because it meets our needs."

Author
Brian Tinham

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