The IRTE Skills Challenge is the UK’s leading technical competition for bus and coach engineers. The challenge tests participants on their practical skills and technical knowledge, offering them a platform to showcase their expertise and gain industry recognition.
Supporting the future of transport engineering
C9 Recruitment has built a strong reputation for connecting skilled professionals with top employers in the transport and logistics industry, providing tailored recruitment solutions that meet the sector’s evolving needs.
Their extensive experience in sourcing and placing high-calibre candidates has made them a trusted partner for businesses seeking engineering and technical expertise.
By sponsoring the IRTE Skills Challenge, C9 Recruitment not only reinforces its commitment to developing engineering talent but also demonstrates its dedication to bridging the skills gap in the transport sector.
Through this partnership, they aim to support career growth, enhance professional opportunities, and uphold industry standards by ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled engineers for the future.
Daniel Lunn, commercial director at C9 Recruitment, said: “The IRTE Skills Challenge is a unique event that truly showcases the incredible talent within the bus and coach engineering sector. I’ve supported this competition since its launch and have always admired the impact it has on the industry.
"Events like this are vital for developing engineering excellence and attracting new talent, which is why the entire C9 senior leadership team is proud to back it. There’s nothing else like it in the industry, and it deserves the support to grow and thrive.
"Behind the scenes, bus and coach engineers keep the industry moving, without their expertise, everything would grind to a halt. We need the very best engineers to ensure vehicles are safe and reliable day in, day out.
"At C9 Recruitment, we understand this need, which is why we supply skilled engineers to operators across the country, helping them keep their fleets running smoothly."
IRTE welcomes C9 Recruitment as a sponsor
The IRTE recognises the vital role of industry partnerships in ensuring the continued success of the IRTE Skills Challenge. By working with organisations like C9 Recruitment, the event can further its mission of promoting engineering excellence and providing a valuable platform for transport engineers to demonstrate their skills.
This collaboration will help foster innovation, drive professional growth, and strengthen the sector’s workforce for the future.
Emma Thompson, executive director of the Society of Operations Engineers, said: “The IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge is an important event in IRTE’s calendar and is an initiative we continue to invest in since its inception over 14 years ago. As well as bringing together the best talent in bus and coach, it’s also where new ideas are made, and IRTE is extremely proud to be the facilitator of such industry-defining conversations.
"The ongoing success of the Skills Challenge is made possible by the unwavering support of our sponsors who lead the way in developing new challenges and providing apprentices and technicians with opportunities to acquire new skills for the future.”
As a sponsor, C9 Recruitment will play a key role in supporting the competition’s mission to recognise and reward engineering excellence in the bus and coach sector. Their expertise in recruitment will help bridge the gap between skilled professionals and the growing demand for technical talent in the industry.
Join the 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge
The 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge will take place from 2-6 June, bringing together top technicians from across the UK to compete in a series of rigorous assessments.
For more information about the IRTE Skills Challenge and how to get involved, visit https://www.soe.org.uk/event/skills-challenge.html.
