Epsom Coaches has become the first operator to have staff achieve all three of CPT’s professionally recognised bus and coach industry manager accreditations – Bus Operations Manager, Coach Manager and Engineering Manager.
Following Peter Mabbott and Ian Thompson achieving the prestigious Engineering Manager Accreditation in 2015, last month saw Peter Minnette and Lee Coleman receive the Coach Operations Manager title and Gareth Stanton awarded Bus Operations Manager.
The Engineering Manager Accreditation, designed by CPT’s Engineering Committee, assesses Engineering Managers against a series of professional standards, whilst allowing them to demonstrate they have the necessary skills and attributes to carry out the important role.
The Bus Operations and Coach Manager Accreditations were developed by the bus and coach industry through CPT’s Skills & Training Committee, and in partnership with People 1st and the Guild of British Coach Operators.
All three accreditations are professionally recognised and supported by the IMechE (Engineering Manager) and CILT (Bus Operations and Coach Manager).
Speaking at the presentation of accreditations, CPT’s Operations Director, Stephen Smith, said:
“I am delighted that between them the team at Epsom Coaches has now achieved all three of our newly introduced industry accreditations. This clearly demonstrates the importance and commitment that Epsom Coaches places on further developing staff and recognising and rewarding the professionalism of their managers.
Stephen continued: “These accreditations also acknowledge the outstanding contributions that so many managers make every day in delivering a first class service to our passengers.”
Following Mr Smith, Traffic Commissioner Nick Denton said:
“My role means that I am normally dealing with (mostly HGV) operators who have fallen foul of the regulations, frequently because their staff lack training and professional development. It has been a breath of fresh air to come here today to award certificates to managers who have worked hard to increase their skills and knowledge.
“I warmly welcome the accreditations initiative from CPT, with the support of CILT, which recognises and encourages increased professionalism of managers in the bus and coach industry.”
In conclusion, Epsom Coaches Managing Director, Steve Whiteway said:
“I am proud of my team who went through an exacting process to demonstrate their expertise in the huge variety of skills required in this challenging industry, these accreditations are well deserved”
