Mentorship plays a strong role in this year’s IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge, which launched for its 13th year in January.
The competition is set to take place once again from 2-6 June at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol, and is now open to coach and bus operators of all sizes across the UK.
Apprentices and seasoned professionals are pitted against their peers in a series of tests that spotlight and award theoretical and practical knowledge in mechanical engineering, electrical systems and bodywork. The Challenge acts as a benchmark for processes and training standards for operators that compete, and an opportunity to work on future tech as the industry moves towards green propulsion.
Robin Bates, Membership and Professional Standards Lead at the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), notes that this year’s Skills Challenge is all about addressing the industry knowledge gap by passing on skills to the next generation of engineers and technicians. That builds on work in 2024 which saw the launch of SOE’s mentoring scheme, which acts to match experienced professionals with people seeking career advancement.
“There is a massive skills shortage happening right now and we’re aiming to pass these tangible, hands-on skills within the workshop — and the mentality behind what makes a good technician or engineer — from the previous generation to the next, blending the new age drive for learning and fascination with technology, all while retaining the skills that have been cultivated over
many years.”
Mr Bates adds that the Challenge entering its 13th year is testament to the competition’s enduring popularity and success. “We always have contestants who return every year, operators are raring to go, and there has already been huge interest from sponsors old and new. The industry is crying out for a solution to the skills gap, and that’s the challenge we have to help address.”
He also notes the extended benefits that come for those that take part: “Competing in the Skills Challenge gives contestants a mark of achievement and shows they are striving to be the best possible person.
“Competing is frequently recognised by major companies and is a point of camaraderie with training managers. It’s also an opportunity for our sponsors to equip the next generation of engineers and technicians with the knowledge and resources they need to bridge the skills gap.”
The deadline for registration is 30 April.
Winners and runners up will be recognised at an Awards lunch in July.
