The Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) that three of its member fleet managers have completed Swinburne University's Graduate Certificate in Business Management (Fleet Management). The AfMA partnered with the university on the development of the course which was launched in 2012.

Open to members of AfMA, the course began with the first semester of the 2012 academic year, and consists of four separate units, each customized for the Fleet industry:

• Managing in a complex world.

• Financial decision‐making and risk.

• Performance management.

• Project management.

The units can be completed remotely which includes online facilitated class time, and can be a first step to a master of business management (MBM).

AfMA Executive Director, Marja Thompson, said the course was a fantastic opportunity for the industry, in particular members of the Association. “This initiative benefits the fleet industry as a whole by assisting in attracting new entries into our industry as well as providing an incentive for current fleet professionals to increase their knowledge and competencies which will support them further in their career,” she said.

One of the main benefits of the course for the fleet industry is the greater recognition of the fleet management profession as a stand‐alone discipline. Entry into the program is available to applicants with four years relevant business experience or an approved undergraduate degree or advanced diploma. The course is part of AfMA’s commitment to deliver relevant education, training and professional development services for its members.

To support its members, AfMA is offering ten scholarships of $2,200 (Australian) each to students enrolling in 2013.

AfMA is a not‐for‐profit organisation with some 600 members across Australia and New Zealand responsible for managing about 800,000 vehicles.