The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has launched its new AFP Fleet Academy, supported by an extensive programme of training for 2022.

Chair Paul Hollick said the new Fleet Academy means the AFP is well-placed to meet rising fleet demand for training

The new Academy takes over all professional tuition activities from the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) and marks another pivotal moment for the AFP, formed almost two years ago through the merger of the ICFM with the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO).

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, explained: “The launch of the AFP Fleet Academy is effectively the last remaining business from the merger between ACFO and the ICFM, and is a very exciting moment for us.

“Over the last year, we have been integrating all of our courses and bringing ICFM members into the AFP. We are now ready to launch our new programme, which we believe provides an outstanding framework for fleet professionals looking to enhance their skills.”

Hollick added that interest in training across the fleet sector has been increasing in recent years, especially since the start of the pandemic and reinforced by emerging trends such as mobility and electrification.

Developed to answer such demand, the AFP’s 2022 core training programme offers professional accreditation at three levels – Introductory, Strategic and Advanced – echoing the previous ICFM structure. It also includes specialist courses covering electric cars and vans.

Introductory Fleet Management is provided online specifically for new entrants to the industry, enabling them to develop an understanding of vehicle management and policies.

The Strategic Fleet Management level is designed as the benchmark standard for those employed in the co-ordination and management of vehicle fleets, structured around five core competencies: managing communication, establishing processes for administration, understanding fleet vehicle funding and finance, vehicle acquisition and remarketing, and interpreting legislation.

This course leads to the Certificate in Strategic Fleet Vehicle Management as well as Professional of the AFP (PAFP) status, equivalent to the ICFM’s MICFM. It can be taken as self-paced online learning or as a trainer-led face-to-face course.

The Advanced Fleet Management course is designed as the ultimate professional standard, helping develop the advanced knowledge and skills required to run complex fleet operations with modules covering leadership, vision and achievement, planning and delivery, managing finance in complex projects, and developing teams.

It leads to the Diploma in Strategic Fleet Vehicle Management, along with Fellowship of The Association of Fleet Professionals (FAFP), equivalent to the ICFM’s FICFM accreditation. Training is via face-to-face teaching.

The two electric vehicle courses each last for one day and are designed to help businesses plan their transition to electric cars and vans.

Details about all of the AFP’s courses, including pricing, dates and locations, are available at www.theafp.co.uk.