As we approach the 2025 edition, the competition continues to attract talented individuals eager to test their skills and gain valuable industry recognition.
The IRTE Skills Challenge has become a cornerstone event for bus and coach technicians across the UK, offering a unique platform to showcase expertise, learn from peers, and accelerate career progression. As we approach the 2025 edition, the competition continues to attract talented individuals eager to test their skills and gain valuable industry recognition.
A Catalyst for Career Advancement
The Skills Challenge is more than just a competition; it's a springboard for professional development. Participants from previous years have consistently reported that the experience has been instrumental in their career growth.
Craig Brown, a PSV Engineer at Greys of Ely Ltd, shares: “I feel it’s a new and exciting challenge. I would be proud to just participate, demonstrate my current skills, and—being new to the industry—support my career moving forward being the best I can be.”
Diverse Skill Sets on Display
The competition caters to a wide range of specialties within the bus and coach industry, allowing participants to demonstrate their expertise in various areas:
- Mechanical and electrical engineering
- Bodywork and repair
- Diagnostics and fault-finding
- New technologies, including electric vehicles
Jonathan Ruston, an engineer at Transdev Blazefield, notes: "The IRTE Skills Challenge will push me out of my comfort zone but for me, that's exactly where I want to be”
Learning from Industry Peers
One of the most valuable aspects of the Skills Challenge is the opportunity to learn from fellow professionals. Tim Bowman, an Engineering Supervisor at Transdev Blazefield, states: "Seeing how people from other companies approach fault finding and diagnosis will be a positive – a lot of my training was done either online or via work-based learning”
Preparing for Future Technologies
As the industry evolves, so does the Skills Challenge. The competition helps technicians stay ahead of the curve, especially with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.
Ben Bennett, an Electric Bus Technician from Stagecoach London, comments: “Electric buses are the future, and the competition tests us in the right way—adapting to new technologies and showing how we can apply them on the job.”
Building Confidence and Recognition
Participating in the Skills Challenge can be a significant confidence booster. Emmanuel Kofi Badu, an apprentice MechElec at RATP Dev London, believes: “I think it’s quite relevant. I believe it will be a confidence booster.”
Mackenzie Hall, an apprentice with First Bus, adds: “Being part of this challenge makes you feel noticed—it’s something I’ll be proud to include on my CV.”
A Challenge for All Levels
Whether you're an apprentice or an experienced technician, the Skills Challenge offers something for everyone. Craig Brown, a PSV Engineer at Greys of Ely LTD, states: "I feel it's a new and exciting challenge. I feel I would be proud to just participate to demonstrate my current skills and being new to the industry help support my career moving forward being the best I can be.”
Your Path to Progress Starts Here
The IRTE Skills Challenge 2025 is more than just a competition, it's a gateway to professional growth, industry recognition, and career advancement. By participating, you'll not only showcase your skills but also gain valuable experience that can propel your career forward.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an event that shapes the future of the bus and coach industry. Register now for the IRTE Skills Challenge 2025 and take the next step in your professional journey.
Register for Skills Challenge 2025