IRTE Skills Challenge 2013 launches at Euro Bus Expo 09 November 2012

Visitors to Euro Bus Expo were able to witness the launch of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers' (IRTE) Skills Challenge 2013.

This is the third competition of its kind, designed to test the technical abilities of bus and coach technicians.

Comprising a series of mechanical, electrical and bodywork challenges, the engineering competition aims to promote the work done by bus and coach technicians in keeping the country moving.

The practical elements of the challenge are based on IRTE's technician licensing scheme irtec, and will take place at training facility S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol from 29 May to 7 June 2013.

Prizes have been donated by Halfords Trade and will be awarded at a ceremony in July 2013.

In total, there are nine awards across the categories of mechanical, electrical and bodywork, and with special categories to award apprentices.

The IRTE Skills Challenge also aims to encourage technical excellence among bus and coach technicians at the beginning of their careers.

Last year, the Skills Challenge saw 14 teams from operators including Arriva, Go-Ahead London, Ipswich Buses, Translink and Wilts & Dorset, as well as the MoD, competing.

"Arriva UK Bus is proud to have been amongst the first to sign up to the inaugural IRTE Skills challenge," says Lloyd Mason, engineer with one of the big winners of 2012's competition, Arriva.

"With the event now entering its third year, we will continue to support and participate in the Skills Challenge, in the hope of repeating the tremendous success we enjoyed in this year's competition."

Nick Jones, chief executive of IRTE's umbrella organisation, SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), says: "By engaging with the IRTE Skills Challenge as an operator, you're acknowledging a confidence in your own standards and practices, and displaying a commitment to excellence that is worthy of industry-wide recognition."

The 2013 IRTE Skills Challenge is sSponsored by Allison Transmission, Bridgestone, Delphi, Knorr-Bremse and Shell.

Author
John Challen

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