Study packs aimed at smaller operators
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SMALL OPERATORS unable to spare time for evening classes are among the target markets for a series of open learning transport courses launched by Central Manchester College and the Manpower Services Commission.
The courses are part of the MSC's Open Tech programme and work on a similar basis to Open University study, but at a more basic level.
Students buy study packs, upon which they work at their own pace and at a place suitable to them, and have the option of obtaining additional help from face-to-face tutorials or by phoning a tutor for assistance.
It is designed to help students whose employers do not have sufficient spare labour to free them for daytime college lectures or for inhouse courses, and for selfemployed people (like owner drivers) whose working hours prevent them from attending formal classes.
A wide range of study units has been produced or is in course of preparation, covering goods vehicle operation (including environmental operator licensing and import documentation), management, financial management, safety, mechanical condition and transport planning.
The course study units, which include Certificate of Professional Competenceinspired multiple-choice question and answer sections, are written in a fashion which, the college believes, is like a lecturer talking to a student.
Although there is no opportunity for essay-type answers to be written, corrected papers are returned to the students with an explanation of why they are right or wrong.
The Royal Society of Arts and the National Examinations Board for Supervisory Studies (Nebss) are considering the possibility of nationally recognised examination certificates being associated with the Open Tech courses, and the Chartered Institute of Transport has given its provisional approval to the courses being used for entry to its qualifying examination for student membership.
But the primary aim is to help transport employees and proprietors come to terms with problems which face them and to cope with new legislation and exploit new opportunities.
Study packs will cost around S:30 for each period of 10 hours' study, and there will be additional scope to buy updated information on courses students have already completed.
Full details are available from Graham Bell, Open Tech Transport Project, Central Manchester College, Cornbrook Centre, Barrack Street, Manchester, M15 4ER. Phone 061-833 9858.