Motec has outlived its use
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HOW MUCH LONGER can the Government justify the retention of the Multi Occupational Training and Educational Centre at High Ercail? The answer appears to be at least for another year.
The RHA's plea for its closure has been flatly turned down. It will be reviewed in 1984. Can Motec survive? The answer is that it is doubtful. This well-equipped, highly staffed, 32-acre site, is under-used and costs £1.25m to run.
The figure could be reduced to £500,000 if the site was fully operational. This can only be achieved if it is properly promoted. Promotions cost cash and the parent body, the Road Transport Industry Training Board, says Motec must earn the £50,000 it needs for promotion by its own activities. This is the typical chicken and egg situation. What comes first, the student or the promotional cash?
Why should the Government not extend its privatisation policy to training? Surely the places for training now are the Group Training Associations. The parents should stand aside and let their offspring develop.
The role of the industry and RT1TB has changed in the past twelve years. The RHA is correct in asking for this measure of independence. After all, it is RHA members who operate and finance, to a large extent, the GTAs.
The Government is allowed to change its mind. This is an appropriate matter on which it can exercise this privilege.