An agreement has now been signed between IRTE and IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) to jointly develop the irtec technician licensing scheme.
Nick Jones, chief executive of the IRTE's umbrella organisation SOE, says he hopes that, between the two engineering organisations, skill levels, as well as recognition of the scheme within the transport industry, will be increased – so bringing overall improvements to efficiency and commercial vehicle maintenance.
Responsibility for the irtec register of successful candidates will remain with the IRTE, while IMI will be responsible for managing quality assurance levels, as well as approving new assessment centres, and monitoring assessments and assessors.
"This agreement between the IRTE and the IMI will allow us to make major headway in generating further take-up of irtec and strengthening it for the future," comments Jones.
"By harnessing the expertise and experience of the IRTE in the commercial vehicle sector, particularly in relation to standards, and the administrative and developmental expertise of the IMI, I am confident this will be a strong and valuable partnership," he adds.
"With a joint irtec steering group and through consultation with industry, we are working together to ensure that irtec meets the industry's needs, as well as developing a nationwide network of irtec assessment centres to increase its availability," he concludes.
