Editorial Fight the flab
Page 2
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SINCE its formation 12 years ago, the Road Transport Industry Training Board has been under almost constant attack by those who unwillingly pay its bills. Much of the attack has been emotional rather than practical.
Without the activities of RTITB, road haulage would not be as fit as it is today. It would be naive to believe that without the spur and the services of RTITB the industry would have made its own training arrangements.
Now the time has come to reassess the value of the RTITB. The Board agrees with this viewpoint and means to reduce its scope and activities. The RHA believes the RTITB proposals do not go far enough.
Like a man putting on fat, the Board has hardly noticed its growing waistline and double chin. Its extra weight has put pressure on its heart, slowed its pace and blunted its edge. The Board is not as fit as it once was or should be today.
As a service unit the Board should not be involved in revenue activities. There are plenty of training organisations, including GTAs, able to meet demand.
The RTITB role should now be twofold: advisory, and as a watchdog to ensure that courses on offer are up to standard and that those in scope are kept aware of what is available. This role could be performed with fewer staff, smaller overheads, and at much less cost and therefore at reduced levy.
The Board has taken a look at itself but the industry firmly believes that the mirror reflected only what RTITB wanted to see. The message is clear: "Get slimmer, get fitter."