Technicians play such an integral role in ensuring the road transport industry operates efficiently, reliably and safely, but there is a growing need for more, amid an ever-growing skills shortage.
The IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge has always been a key industry platform for showcasing the talents of bus and coach engineers and technicians across the country and is always evolving. This year’s key mission is to address the skills gap by inspiring and empowering the next generation of technicians.
By taking part in the Skills Challenge Testing Week at the S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol, operators of all sizes can support professional development, while also celebrate the dedication and expertise in the bus and coach industry. This will be followed by a celebration of winners and runners-up at the Skills Challenge Awards in July.
“The IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge is more than just a competition – it plays a crucial role in supporting and strengthening the engineering workforce,” explains SOE executive director Emma Thompson.
“Each year, the challenge grows in scale and significance, reflecting the increasing need for skilled professionals in the bus and coach sector.”
GROWING SKILLS GAP
Arguably, this edition is as important as ever, due to the increasing need to attract more talent into the industry. This year’s Skills Challenge aims to engage individual engineers and bus and coach leaders.
Participants will take on challenging opportunities and face real-world engineering scenarios that test their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in electrical, mechanical and bodywork skills.
The skills gap continues to grow, as experienced technicians retire and young talent is attracted by other careers away from engineering.
Thompson says: “Right now, the competition is more important than ever due to the widening skills gap in engineering. With an ageing workforce and fewer young people entering technical careers, the shortage of skilled technicians is becoming a pressing issue.
“The Skills Challenge helps address this by celebrating technical excellence, raising awareness of career opportunities, and demonstrating the high level of expertise required in the sector. By engaging apprentices and experienced professionals alike, the event plays a key role in attracting, developing and retaining talent.“
STRONG INTEREST
Interest in this year‘s Skills Challenge is high, both with returning competitors and newcomers eager to participate, showing the pull and importance of the key industry event.
Thompson adds: “As the demand for skilled technicians continues to rise, events like this are essential for showcasing expertise, encouraging professional development and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
“By bringing together the most talented individuals from across the industry, the Skills Challenge highlights the vital role technicians play in keeping public transport safe, reliable and efficient.
“As the challenge continues to grow, so does its impact on the industry. It not only recognises the best and brightest engineers but also emphasises the need for ongoing investment in training and development.”
She says when engineering skills are in greater demand than ever, the event “stands as a beacon of excellence and opportunity”. “By promoting technical ability, innovation and professional growth, it helps secure the future of engineering and ensures that the industry remains strong, sustainable and ready to meet the challenges ahead,” Thompson concludes.
Small, medium and large bus and coach operators can put forward their best teams to compete in the DVSA-backed initiative. The deadline to register teams is 30 April 2025.
• To enter the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge, visit www.tinyurl.com/33kaaa53.
