Popular demand for irtec in Scotland continues upward trend.
Fife College has extended its irtec inspection offer to include assessments for candidates who want to further their careers maintaining trailers or buses and coaches.
These two new irtec assessments will complement Fife’s existing offer and builds on the college’s association with Fife council.
Martin MacKenzie, Automotive Lecturer at Fife College, said: “A few years ago we had some enquiries from operators specialising in trailers and now we’ve had bus operators asking us about the irtec licence. We successfully delivered our first bus and coach inspection route at the beginning of the year. It would be great if more operators get involved.”
Fife College has been delivering irtec accreditations to a range of private and local authority commercial vehicle operators since 2013. A close working relationship with Fife Council has resulted in over 40 of its HGV technicians achieving Inspection Technician accreditation status.
Fife Council is recording positive results from the licence that demonstrates a commitment to road safety through improved inspection standards. It has seen MOT first time pass rates improve to 98% and the Operational Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) reduce to 1.10.
Martin added: “The big advantage for operators is taken from the day technicians have in the classroom. It can be a big eye-opener for them when they hear about the rules and regulations the operator must comply with to keep its licence. It emphasises how important their role is to make sure the inspections are done properly.”
In the latest irtec centre statistics, an average of 75 technicians passed their assessment each week in the UK. In March, Volvo passed 54 technicians while Lloyd Morgan Group successfully assessed 51.