摘要: |
The irtec scheme allows the employer to ensure the technicians are up to speed with regards knowledge and competence as well as judging as to any training needed by the technician, according to SOE president John Eastman. He adds that, from the operator's point of view, the scheme provides the comfort of knowing that vehicles submitted for maintenance are in good hands and that fully-trained technicians are carrying out the work to ensure compliance to the operator license regulations. Of course, operators are legally responsible for any servicing mistakes in the hopefully remote event of a road traffic accident. Despite the risks, some cynical operators might believe that irtec is more akin to a certificate of attendance. That prompts two key questions: is it really the most rigorous method of ensuring competence, and is it immune from being taken for a free ride? To become irtec-accredited, candidates must score at least 60% in an online knowledge test and attain full marks in a practical exam in any one of the accreditations available: service & maintenance technician, inspection technician, advanced technician and master technician (see also feature, pp18-19). Another irtec route is also available for technicians involved in the isolation, reinstatement and safety of high voltage driveline systems fitted to large electric vehicles (EVs). |