Remote learning became part of the new normal during Covid-19, and adopting such an approach allowed the IRTE Ireland North to support engineering students in the region.
From 2021-2023, the committee of volunteers arranged a host of webinars on an introduction to hydrogen and hydrogen skills as well as a session on electric vehicles (EVs) in collaboration with Renault Trucks.
Last year, the group helped arrange an event at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue learning and development centre in Belfast, at which crews demonstrated how they extract casualties from vehicles.
Another collaboration enabled the PSNI (Police Service Northern Ireland) to host sessions on road safety for heavy goods vehicle drivers, which included the correct procedure for carrying out daily checks and making sure drivers carry out due diligence on the road.
Other key topics were the importance of addressing tiredness and the need to take regular breaks as well as adhering to the drivers’ hours requirements.
Michael Hutchinson CEng, vice chairman of IRTE Ireland North Committee, says: “During Covid-19, we worked well at engaging with members and we have strived to keep that momentum going.
“The industry is also going through a lot of change with the transition away from fossil fuels, meaning that both the events and the technology is changing very quickly, which emphasises the importance of the committee to provide members with information and technical updates about what is going on in the industry.”
This work attracted a global audience and saw the IRTE Ireland North earn the Region of the Year Award at the Society of Operations Engineers’ (SOE) Safety & Resilience Awards 2024 in October.
As part of its broader work, the IRTE Ireland North Committee provides a range of resources, including technical online and in-person events, manufacturer visits as well as membership engagement events.
NURTURING TALENT
With a keen interest in the automotive industry, Hutchinson started his career as a vehicle electrician and mechanic at the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He now passes his knowledge to the next generation of technicians as a lecturer in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair at Level 2 and 3 at SERC (South Eastern Regional College). These courses equip students with the necessary skills for entering a workshop environment as they learn how to identify tools and equipment and carry out safe working practices while also looking at brake suspension and steering, engine work, transmissions and large electronics.
As part of the assessment criteria, they are tasked with following a methodical approach to diagnose and rectify a vehicle fault, which could be an issue with the diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation or AdBlue Systems.
Hutchinson recognises the importance of facilitating a learning environment that offers students a hands-on experience. “Providing an environment where they can carry out the physical work makes the transition to employment seamless because they have already acquired the necessary experience within a workshop environment.”
Such an environment has certainly aided the professional development of these students, with some moving into careers at the Master Technician level and others upskilling within the EV space. Hutchinson says: “They are moving the trajectory of their careers away from diesel and into these latest technology environments, which is really exciting because the biggest change within the automotive industry is happening right now. These students will go on to work on the most state-of-the-art technologies for moving goods and services around the world.”
Looking ahead, the IRTE Ireland North Committee has arranged OWL (Optimised Waste and Logistics) on 23 October at the Titanic Centre in Belfast. The event looks at new technologies while also allowing members to gain CPD points and network with industry professionals. Specifically, the event is focused on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and EVs, with a focus on trends and support from the government.
