Conference to promote role of technician

Three organisations are coming together to host an event next month for workshop managers and fleet engineers. Transport body IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) aims to promote the vital role that technicians play within the transport industry, and together with the FTA (Freight Transport Association) and IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers), it will host the Technician Professional Development Conference on 17 April 2013 in Westminster.

The conference, sponsored by Goodyear, will act as a forum for recognising and discussing the unique problems currently facing technicians and operators across the industry, with the longer-term aim of forging a career path for the UK’s vehicle technicians.

“With advancements in modern vehicle technology there is a very real need for the skill sets of technicians to evolve in order to meet requirements,” says Ian Chisholm, head of operations and communications at IRTE’s umbrella organisation SOE. “The vehicle technician of the future will not only need comprehensive mechanical knowledge and electronic skills, but will also need to fully understand diagnostic computer systems.

This conference will act as a forum for discussing challenges currently facing the industry and developments needed within technician training and assessment.”

The one-day conference includes presentations from senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell; VOSA chief executive Alastair Peoples; and chief executive of the Engineering Council Jon Prichard.

Prices for the event are £225 + VAT for FTA, IMechE or IRTE members and £275 + VAT for non-members.

www.fta.co.uk