irtec News

DAF's 500th irtec milestone

29th Nov 2011

Leading commercial vehicle manufacturer DAF Trucks is celebrating an irtec milestone after 500 of its technicians have become accredited by the scheme through approved irtec assessment provider, the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The IRTE’s renewable accreditation scheme for technicians in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger-carrying industries, irtec demonstrates a technician’s current skill, and includes the Service Maintenance Technician, Inspection Technician and Advanced Technician levels.

DAF Trucks confirmed its commitment to irtec during a press conference at the 2011 CV Show, becoming the first truck manufacturer to adopt the scheme throughout its entire dealer network.

Tony Shepherd, DAF's after sales services manager, said: “The irtec accreditation scheme, which is fully endorsed by all our dealerships and technicians, is raising standards to the highest possible level across our entire network. The aim is for all our technicians to receive accreditation over the next two years or so, giving our customers the utmost confidence in our ability to provide a consistently high standard of service.

“With the ever-increasing focus on OCRS, DAF believes that DAFcheck (DAF’s electronic service sheets), coupled with irtec technician licensing, gives every truck operator the best opportunity to protect its O-licence.”

Lawrie Alford, FTA’s head of automotive, is convinced that regular technical training and assessment of technicians will improve fleet standards and performance. He says: “Vehicle engineering has moved on a great deal in the last 20 years; it is important that the skills and practical knowledge of technicians reflects this to keep fleets safe, efficient and compliant.”