Passenger transport manager : Training

Many of the larger suppliers of passenger transport operate a formal graduate training scheme, lasting from six months to two years. Trainees receive a mixture of on-the-job and formal training, as well as guidance from a mentor, providing them with the necessary to skills to become future leaders. Training usually involves rotation round several departments, including health and safety, HR, finance, fleet, training and marketing, giving trainees an overview of the whole operation.

Training also usually involves operational and strategic work placements that ensure trainees acquire a wide range of knowledge and experience working with a variety of clients. Companies with overseas operations will usually provide a work placement abroad, particularly for those with relevant language skills. Most placements also provide the opportunity for trainees to take on research and other projects.

Trainees may also need to study for a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), as every site operating a transport business has to have at least one person with this qualification.

In other organisations, most training will take place on the job and will vary according to the sector and transport provision.

It is essential to keep abreast of new ideas, techniques and legislation through continuous professional development (CPD). The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK offers a number of qualifications, which are recognised throughout the industry. They include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Logistics and Transport - aimed at new entrants to the profession;
• Level 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transport - suitable for anyone in junior management or supervisory positions and anyone who wants to make a career change;
• Level 5 Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transport - designed for graduate entrants and managers;
• Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport - designed for those in middle management looking to move into a more strategic role.

The courses cover areas such as:

• logistics;
• information technology;
• transport economics, policy and strategic planning;
• environmental issues;
• supply chain management;
• project management;
• international business;
• transport planning techniques.

Masters courses in transport and related topics, for example the MSc in International Transport and Logistics run by CILT and the University of Glamorgan, are also available. These are mainly aimed at managers already working in the transport sector, although large companies may support graduate trainees to gain industry-specific Masters qualifications.

Graduates can also work towards accredited membership of the relevant professional bodies, including:

• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK  
• Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)
• Institute of Transport Administration (IoTA)

Most organisations also provide in-house training in areas such as health and safety, security, customer care, developments in information technology, organisational decision-making and problem-solving.