The event will take place from 30 September to 1 October this year, at the brand-new DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham, a £3.5m cutting-edge training facility.
This exciting new challenge builds on the 13 years of success enjoyed by the PSV Skills Challenge, bringing the competition’s approach to celebrating excellence within the HGV sector for the first time.
This pilot challenge builds on IRTE’s success with the Bus & Coach Skills Challenge, irtec qualifications, and workshop accreditation schemes such as the recently launched new Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), cornerstones of excellence in transport engineering.
Participants will engage in a range of both theoretical, and practical assessments designed to test and refine their technical knowledge, problem-solving, and teamwork. Competitors will also gain valuable networking opportunities with their peers and industry experts, alongside the opportunity to work on the latest technology.
“This competition spotlights the incredible skill and precision of HGV engineers. Paired with the advanced DAF facility, the competition will set a new bar for professional standards in the sector,” said Emma Thompson, executive director of the Society of Operations Engineers. The IRTE is a Professional Sector of the SOE.
“At DAF Trucks, we believe that technical excellence deserves recognition, not just within our own dealer network, but across the entire HGV industry. Hosting the inaugural IRTE HGV Skills Challenge at our new DAF Apprentice Academy is a proud milestone that reflects our commitment to raising the bar for engineering standards and supporting talent development on a national scale,” added Matt Coates, training & apprenticeships manager, DAF Trucks Limited.
HGV Skills Challenge timeline:
· Open for entries: 26 June 2025
· Entries deadline: 15 September 2025
· Event: 30 September – 1 October 2025
· Awards Lunch: Date to be announced
To register for the HGV Skills Challenge, visit soe.org.uk/hgvskills
