November 2003
Business Day

Two years ago, the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA), launched an association-endorsed Certificate programme in Fleet Management in conjunction with National Private Colleges (NPC), part of the Educor group.

In July this year, NPC were formally accredited as education service providers and, at the same time, notification that the Certificate material had been conditionally approved by SAQA, was received. SAVRALA is now working with NPC on clearing the four conditions by early next year.

In a separate but related initiative, SAVRALA president, John Broadway reports that significant progress has been made with the Bank SETA regarding its sponsorship of the development and delivery – through NPC – of a formal Learnership in Fleet Management starting in 2004.

“The Bank SETA found the SAVRALA Certificate materials to be ideal for their purposes and association member, debis Fleet Management, has indicated its willingness to be the ‘lead employer’. We hope that the Bank SETA’s experience of Learnerships, together with the new accredited status of the Certificate, will result in a real increase in interest and skill levels within the fleet management industry.

“Due to the accreditation status and student levels, NPC have advised us that they would like to work closely with us in developing further levels of Fleet Management study at NQF level 6,” adds Broadway. “This will mean that those students who have already completed Certificate level subjects will soon be able to continue their studies to Diploma level. SAVRALA has already committed the necessary funds for the development of study materials in early 2004 and its members will provide ‘expert input’ to curriculum development as necessary.”

Broadway remains convinced that this initiative will pay dividends in the medium- to long-term through the introduction of many people to the specialist fields of rental and fleet management and through the raising of skills in these industries.