Bus technicians complete IRTE Skills Challenge tests 10 June 2014

Bus technicians completed their examinations in Bristol last week (2—6 June 2014) at the fourth annual IRTE Skills Challenge, which aims to recognise and reward excellence in electrical, bodywork and mechanical service and repair.

The tests were devised with help from sponsors Allison Transmission, Bridgestone, Knorr-Bremse and Shell Lubricants, as well as event host S&B Automotive Academy.

The tests ranged from transmission oil level checks to assessing tyre damage, disc brake inspection, lubricant viscosity assessments, MIG welding, riveting, ABS measurement and electrical fault-finding.

Buses were donated for testing by vehicle supporters Abellio, MAN and Mercedes-Benz.

For the first time, DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) also contributed a Skills Challenge test, with technicians tackling the competition's mechanical category being tasked with carrying out a part-replication of the PSV annual test.

"I am delighted to be able to support the IRTE Skills Challenge," comments Alastair Peoples, chief executive of DVSA.

"We wanted the test to be challenging, and we designed it to be as close to the real thing as possible. I look forward to seeing the results on 17 July," he adds.

"The standards being set by the candidates at IRTE Skills Challenge 2014 are excellent," states Richard Belton, deputy chief executive of S&B Automotive Academy.

"The tests devised by the sponsors focused on the key skills that technicians need to operate successfully. It's about going back to basics as no manufacturers' diagnostics are allowed," he continues.

"The competitors need to follow a logical process to work out what is wrong. This year's addition of the test from DVSA has also added industry credibility, and it definitely made some of the competitors more nervous."

Adam Geddes from Preston Bus was a first-time competitor this year and says: "I enjoyed taking part. It's nice to be tested on your skills and knowledge – and it's nice to prove you can do it."

Some 60 technicians and apprentices from Abellio, Arriva, FirstGroup, Go Ahead London, Go South Coast, London United, Metroline, Preston Bus, Tower Transit, and Translink took part in IRTE Skills Challenge 2014.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 17 July and are in line to win prizes from Teng Tools, as well as a day of training with DVSA.

Author
Brian Tinham

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