The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) is hosting its 12th annual coach and bus Skills Challenge.
Held at the S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol, the event invites PSV engineers, technicians and apprentices from across the UK to demonstrate their prowess in engineering, electrical and bodywork disciplines.
This year’s event is themed ‘challenging the status quo’ and aims to demonstrate IRTE’s commitment to fostering innovation, workforce excellence and empowering the next generation of coach and bus technicians.
The 12th annual event will also see a new category introduced, focused on new technology. It will allow participants to engage with advanced coach and bus innovations and showcase their adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.
Richard Belton, Operations Director at S&B Automotive Academy, highlights this year’s focus on existing and future technology: “We want to show the development of skills within the industry and the high levels that are attainable. The skills challenge has not forgotten about safety and the everyday skills that technicians and body repairers need for the industry, but we will also be adding in a new category for those people that have more experience in the advancing technologies side of the business. This will encompass the whole range of new fuels and propulsion systems within coach and bus and so will test further the advancing skill levels in the industry.”
The competition is open to operators of all sizes, with leading companies like Arriva, First Bus and Go-Ahead, as well as regional operators Lothian and Trentbarton, participating in years previous. Since its inception, the Challenge has seen over 650 aspiring technicians participate.
Comments Oliver Teasell, Membership and Registration Manager at the Society of Operations Engineers: “The IRTE Skills Challenge isn’t just celebrating excellence, it’s redefining it. By challenging the status quo and embracing new technologies, we’re not just testing skills, we’re empowering the next generation to thrive in an environment where innovation and alternative fuels to power public transport will become essential.”
Entrants can register their interest now.
