The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) today (10 March) confirmed that the IRTE Skills Challenge testing stage will be postponed until the week commencing 21 June, when it is hoped all restrictions on social contact and large events will be lifted.
The news comes after consultation between operators and Richard Belton of S&B Automotive Academy concluded it would be best to time the event in accordance with the government’s COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 roadmap.
“We are optimistic that the government will remove all legal limits on social contact by 21 June,” says SOE Events Stakeholder Coordinator Patrycja Plawna. “However, should any restrictions remain in place, we are prepared to take all appropriate measures to protect those involved in the competition, including social distancing, wearing of face masks when necessary and/or providing lateral flow tests.
“We will be reviewing the situation on an ongoing basis and another thorough risk assessment will be carried out at the end of March and beginning of April.”
As a result of the postponement, the Skills Challenge press day will now take place on 23 June. Other key dates in the event calendar remain unchanged. SOE apologises for any inconvenience caused.
