Having the right fleet management skills could make the difference between success and failure in what promises to be a very challenging year.

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is urging fleets to “audit your skills” to equip them to tackle the challenges that 2021 is likely to bring

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is urging fleets to “audit your skills” to equip them to tackle the challenges that 2021 is likely to bring.

Paul Hollick, chair of the industry body, said: “We’ve been looking very closely at fleet manager skillsets in drawing up our new AFP Training Academy calendar for 2021and it is clear to us that new demands are being placed on people working in our sector at a probably unprecedented pace.

“Part of this is structural change with the ongoing shift in role over time from fleet to mobility manager, while others are very much linked to the moment and the myriad of issues generated by the pandemic, the arrival of EVs, Brexit and more.

“What we would say to fleet managers is to look at the challenges facing you and audit your skills to ensure that you have the required expertise. Things are moving very quickly and there is a definite need to stay current.”

Hollick said that the AFP had not just worked hard to look at the content of its training offerings for 2021 but also how they were delivered in the light of current circumstances.

This builds on the Institute of Car Fleet Management’s 28-year track record in training, putting a greater accent on providing courses that can be delivered online and remotely, and placing more emphasis on time and cost-effectiveness.

Developments include so-called focused learning units. Hollick explained: “Conventional AFP training is geared towards the awarding of accreditations for individuals but sometimes people just want to learn how to do things. The units, which we are in the process of creating, would do just that – teach practical expertise in a single area.

“It’s an approach that we believe could make a lot of sense in 2021 and we plan to announce more details soon.”

The planned AFP Fleet Academy Training Modules for 2021 are:

5th January, Diploma – Advanced Finance

23rd March, Fast Track – People Management

20th April, Fast Track Administration and Finance

11th May, Diploma Advanced Interpersonal Skill

8th June, Diploma Administration and Control

22nd June, Fast Track Acquisition and Law

7th September, Fast Track People Management

12th October, Fast Track Administration and Finance

1st December, Diploma Acquisition and Disposal

14th December, Fast Track Acquisition and Law