Ensuring that the bus and coach industry has the right skills for maintaining next-generation zero-emission vehicles is a major challenge for operators. As one of the UK’s longest serving distributors of bus and coach parts, now in its 60th year, Imperial Engineering, continues to be a strong advocate of apprenticeships, in support of the development of skilled engineers within the PSV sector.
Imperial actively engages with apprenticeships at the grassroots level through a number of measures, including organising training sessions with OEM bus part suppliers, such as Knorr-Bremse and Wabco, as well as the provision of training materials.
The Harlow-based company recently opened its doors to a cohort of Arriva apprentices and the familiarisation day gave the trainees some expert brake calliper training, as well as an insight into the parts distribution process and the range of product brands supplied. They also learned about the engineering services carried out by Imperial, including the inspection and remanufacture of brake callipers and other parts.
Imperial has been a proud sponsor of the IRTE Skills Challenge since 2019, adding its weight to promoting the importance of engineering training to the bus and coach industry, whilst also getting involved in the recognition of apprentices, through its support of a number of operator award schemes.
With the theme of this year’s event being ‘challenging the status quo’, John Dwight, Imperial’s Sales Director, says it’s important to push competitors outside of their comfort zone, if the industry is to progress.
“It’s crucial to the successful future of the PSV sector that we’re seen as an attractive career opportunity for newly qualified engineers and technicians, as advances in technology for zero-emission drivetrains, as well as ancillary systems, means that the multi-skilled engineer is very much in demand.”
According to Imperial Engineering, employees who feel valued are more motivated and therefore likely to perform better. Investing in career progression and entering a respected competition such as the IRTE Skills Challenge is not only a productive force for staff, it can help managers ensure that the business is well equipped with the right structure, company culture and the highest calibre people.
John Dwight comments: “2024 is Imperial’s 60th anniversary since incorporation, so we are proud to continue our partnership with the IRTE Skills Challenge, which is an excellent shop window for highlighting the sector as a skilled profession. We know from our close association with operators over the years and industry studies that the development of ‘home grown’ talent in the form of apprenticeships delivers a meaningful return on investment to businesses. It is incumbent upon the whole industry that we maintain this momentum to build a strong skills base which reflects the incredible work being done by vehicle manufacturers on increasing zero-emission public transport.”
