News

Last chance to be a part of Skills Challenge 2013

Operators have until 31 January 2013 to register their interest in competing in the IRTE Skills Challenge – the premier technician awards for the bus and coach industry.
Sponsored by Allison Transmission, BAE Systems, Bridgestone, Knorr-Bremse and Shell, the 2013 Skills Challenge has already attracted serious competiton, including teams from Arriva, First Group and Go-Ahead. Nine awards up for grabs for technicians involved in mechanical, electrical and bodywork disciplines, with a separate category in each to award the est apprentice in the business. "First Group is committed to the continuous development of its engineering workforce," says Gary Crookes, engineering training manager with First Group. "I am confident in the skills of our technicians, and welcome the opportunity to have them tested on a national stage." Nick Jones, chief executive of IRTE's umbrella organisation, SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), says: "The IRTE Skills Challenge represents IRTE's main aims of identifying, supporting and rewarding excellence in road transport. "By engaging with the IRTE Skills Challenge, bus and coach operators display a confidence in their own standards and practices, and a commitment to excellence that is worthy of industry-wide recognition. We hope you'll accept the challenge." The practical elements of the challenge are based on IRTE's technician licensing scheme irtec, and will take place at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol from 29 May to 7 June 2013.

Related content