How to Decide: Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre is an important question for anyone looking to deliver Driver CPC training. This choice can shape your business’s operations, costs, and growth potential. Each option has its benefits and challenges, depending on your circumstances, resources, and goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to help you make the best decision for your situation.
What Is a Driver CPC Consortium?
A Driver CPC consortium is a group of trainers operating under a shared approval body. Instead of applying to become an independent training centre, you join the consortium, which manages compliance, course approvals, and auditing on your behalf. Joining a Driver CPC consortium can be a cost-effective and less resource-intensive way to deliver Driver CPC training.
Benefits of Joining a Driver CPC Consortium
- Reduced Administrative Burden
The consortium handles the heavy lifting of gaining and maintaining DVSA Accreditations’ approval, submitting course materials, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Joining a Driver CPC consortium allows you to focus more on delivering training. - Lower Start-Up Costs
You don’t need to invest in the full application process or write/purchase your own courses, which can be costly and time-consuming. Consortia usually charge an annual membership fee and per-driver fee, making it easier to manage initial expenses when joining a Driver CPC consortium. - Support and Guidance
Consortia provide training materials, best practices, and ongoing support to ensure trainers deliver high-quality courses. Joining a Driver CPC consortium ensures you have access to expert resources, support and guidance. - Faster Route to Market
By leveraging the consortium’s existing approval, you can start delivering Driver CPC training more quickly than if you applied independently.
Challenges of Joining a Driver CPC Consortium
- Less Independence
You must adhere to the consortium’s rules, course materials, and procedures, rather then your own. - Ongoing Fees
Consortia charge fees per driver, per upload, and an annual membership. These costs can add up over time when joining a Driver CPC consortium. - Branding Flexibility
While you can operate under your own brand within a consortium, certain aspects of branding and marketing may still need to align with consortium guidelines.
Benefits of Setting Up Your Own Driver CPC Training Centre
- Complete Control
As an independent training centre, you’ll have full control over Driver CPC course content, scheduling, and delivery style, allowing you to align your training with your vision and audience needs. - Higher Profit Margins
Without consortium fees, you retain all income from your Driver CPC courses. While initial costs may be higher, the potential for profit increases as you grow. - Flexibility in Designing CPC Training Courses
Although consortium members can request to deliver bespoke Driver CPC courses, they will however, usually need to provide the course content. If the course does not align with the wider consortium requirements, additional approval costs may apply. Independent centres, on the other hand, have full flexibility to design and deliver courses tailored to their clients’ needs without such restrictions.
Challenges of Setting Up Your Own Driver CPC Training Centre
- Higher Initial Costs
There are the centre and course application fees for DVSA Accreditations’ and you’ll need to invest in developing Driver CPC course materials, auditing processes and systems infrastructure. - Administrative Responsibilities
Managing compliance, Driver CPC course approvals, and audits requires time and attention to detail. Without prior experience, could be quite daunting. - Longer Start-Up Timeline
The approval process for becoming an independent Driver CPC training centre can take a while, delaying your ability to start delivering training quickly. - Ongoing Maintenance
Maintaining DVSA Accreditations’ approval requires consistent effort, including, managing compliance/systems, updating and submitting Driver CPC course materials, carrying out course audits, navigating centre audits and maintaining centre renewals.
Key Considerations When Choosing Between Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre
- Budget
If you’re starting with limited funds, joining a Driver CPC consortium may be the better choice. However, if you have the resources to invest, setting up your own training centre can yield greater returns in the long term. - Growth Ambitions
If you aim to build a large-scale Driver CPC training operation, owning your centre gives you the freedom and scalability to achieve this. Conversely, if you’re looking for a side business or part-time venture, a consortium may be more practical. - Time Availability
Running your own Driver CPC training centre demands significant time for administration and compliance. If your schedule is already busy, a consortium might offer a more manageable workload.
Hybrid Approach
Some trainers and training centres start by joining a Driver CPC consortium to build experience and client relationships. Once they’ve established a steady income and understand the industry’s demands, they transition to setting up their own Driver CPC training centre. This phased approach can balance risk and reward.
Research Advice for Choosing Between a Consortium and Setting Up Your Own Centre
Before deciding, conduct thorough research:
- Compare Costs: Calculate the initial and ongoing costs for both joining a consortium and setting up independently. Include application fees, course material expenses, and consortium membership charges.
- Compare Level of Support: Assess the type and extent of support provided by consortia, such as access to course materials, compliance guidance, and marketing resources. Determine if this aligns with your needs or if you prefer full control and responsibility as an independent operator.
- Speak to Industry Professionals: Consult trainers who have experience with both consortium membership and independent operations. Their insights can help you understand the practical benefits and challenges of each approach.
- Evaluate Your Business Goals: Consider whether your long-term goals align better with the flexibility of independence or the support provided by a consortium.
How TMconsultant Can Help
At TMconsultant, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs:
- Consortium Opportunities: Join our Driver CPC consortium and gain access to ready-made course materials, compliance support, and a fast route to delivering Driver CPC training. Our consortium simplifies the process so you can focus on teaching.
- Driver CPC Training Centre Help Service: Want to set up your own Driver CPC training centre? Our Driver CPC Help service provides templates and support to help you get your centre and courses approved with DVSA. From compliance to application guidance, we make the process as straightforward as possible.
Whether you’re looking for a supportive entry into Driver CPC training or aiming to establish your own training centre, we’re here to help.
Conclusion
The decision to join a Driver CPC consortium or establish your own training centre ultimately depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. A consortium provides a low-risk entry point with less administrative burden, while owning a training centre offers greater independence and profit potential. Evaluate your priorities, budget, and long-term vision to choose the path that best aligns with your aspirations.
Next Steps
I hope you found this ‘Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre’ post useful and has made your decision making a little easier. If you like to explore your options further or just need some advice, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!