The IRTE Skills Challenge returned in 2021 with the support of DVSA and an industry eager to keep its apprentices and technicians engaged in their vital occupation to keep our coaches and buses on the road.
As the sector seeks a return to full capacity, regulator DVSA has urged industry to retain the pre-pandemic high standards to continue to attract quality technicians who are able to maintain vehicles and ensure road safety across the network.
Richard Hennessy, DVSA Director of Operations (South), believes that the IRTE Skills Challenge provides assurances that the industry will continue its recovery, and this year gave the sector a boost when it held the testing event in June.
Mr Hennessy says: “DVSA supports the Skills Challenge because we think that it’s a great opportunity for like-minded professionals across this industry of the coach and bus world to test themselves and, most of all, share best practice across the fleet. That’s a real benefit to us in the industry.”
Regardless of the technician’s level of expertise, the Skills Challenge gives contestants belief that they are part of a positive and inclusive industry that gives them an opportunity to progress.
“The contestants that we spoke to came away from the competition testing day feeling reassured, confident and engaged in what they do. It’s a good test for where they’re at – whether you’re doing an apprenticeship or if you’ve been in the industry for a long time – and there’s something for everyone at the Skills Challenge,” adds Mr Hennessy.
Enter the IRTE Skills Challenge next year, or find out more.
