IRTE says there has been increased interest, particularly from bus companies, in irtec licensing since the beginning of 2010.
Operators are seeing the value of an independent evaluation of their technicians' practical competence, comments Ian Chisholm, head of membership and technical services at SOE.
The news comes as the institute looks at further irtec assessment centres in Coventry and London – and the possibility of irtec training on manufacturers' premises.
It also comes as Beverley Bell, the north western traffic commissioner, speaks out on the value of irtec. She believes that the irtec scheme is "absolutely vital" and adds that technicians and fitters should not think of themselves as just that, but also as key components in the smooth and safe running of their transport organisation and the sector as a whole.
