An interview with Steve Bentley FRAeS, CEO, Sofema

Interviewer: Steve, what’s the headline change to Sofema Online’s Privileged Training Partner (PTP) offer?

 

Steve Bentley: We are pleased to share that new starters can take free introductory EASA courses. This gives every new employee a foundational introduction across several subjects relevant to working in an EASA environment.

Also, leaders can preview any course for free. (This option has been available for years and is not tied to PTP, but many people don’t know about it.)

• We’re highlighting it now because it helps organisations choose the right training.

1) Why is the free baseline for new starters such a step-change?
Steve: It removes entry variability. From week one, new colleagues share the same regulatory vocabulary across Part-145, Part-M/Part-CAMO, Safety Management Systems, (EU) Regulation 965/2012, and Quality Auditing. That shortens induction, reduces early errors, and provides audit-ready evidence.

2) Can you clarify how guest enrolment for leadership works?
Steve: Certainly. Leadership guest access has long been available from Sofema Online, regardless of PTP status. Senior stakeholders - Accountable Manager, Compliance, Quality, HR/Training leads—can preview courses free of charge for assessment purposes. It’s the easiest way to align expectations and select the right depth before rollout.

3) So what value is unique to PTP versus standard access?
Steve: PTP adds partner pricing, centralised reporting, domain-based enrolment, and now the zero-cost new-starter baseline. Guest access complements this but is not contingent on PTP. Together, you move from buying courses to building capability.

4) Where does the return on investment come from?

Steve:

• Direct savings via PTP pricing + free intros for every new starter.
• Time saved through standardised induction pathways.
• Risk reduction thanks to consistent regulatory awareness and solid evidence for audits.

5) How does this support regulatory expectations and oversight?

Steve: Regulators look for systematic competence management. With PTP, you can evidence present, suitable, operating, effective controls—certificates, transcripts, and reports that integrate with competence matrices and stand up to external oversight.

6) What’s the recommended onboarding sequence?

Steve: Start with the five free intros for all new starters. Then branch to role-specific learning: Human Factors, EWIS, Fuel Tank Safety, Reliability, ARC, auditor skills, etc.

7) How should leaders use guest enrolment strategically?

Steve: Treat it as a governance checkpoint: preview emerging topics, compare alternatives, and decide on scope/level before deployment. It builds sponsorship and avoids mis-specified training.

8) If an organisation already meets minimum compliance, why join PTP?

Steve: Compliance is the floor. PTP standardised induction accelerates competency and demonstrates maturity, which improves safety outcomes and client trust. It’s a competitive differentiator.

9) How does PTP interact with Corporate Freedom Pass or finance options?

Steve: PTP gives structure and savings; Corporate Freedom Pass gives portfolio-wide access for high-demand teams. Add flexible finance (e.g., Enrol Now, Pay Later) where budgeting cadence matters. Together, you get capacity, control, and predictability. Also, PTP provides for a bonus CFP account (considerable savings).

10 Any Final word?

Steve: “PTP isn’t just membership - it’s a capability system. Pair the free induction baseline with longstanding leadership guest previews and robust reporting, and you’ll turn training into measurable, auditable competence.”

Are you ready to grow organisational competence? Join Sofema Online’s PTP program to launch your free new-starter baseline - and remember, leadership guest previews are available now, with or without PTP.