In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, the Society of Operations Engineers and Women in Bus and Coach have joined forces to tackle the underrepresentation of women in engineering.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) and Women in Bus and Coach have partnered to address the underrepresentation of women in engineering. This landmark partnership will focus on increasing female representation at the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge 2025.
Breaking Barriers in a Male Dominated Industry
The bus and coach industry has long been male-dominated, reflecting wider trends in the engineering sector. Despite progress, women still face barriers to entry, including outdated perceptions of engineering roles, lack of visible role models, and limited access to industry opportunities.
By working together, SOE and Women in Bus and Coach are committed to creating a more inclusive and representative workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.
Elevating the IRTE Skills Challenge 2025
A key focus of this partnership is to increase the visibility of the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge, which is now in its 13th year. The competition provides a national platform for PSV apprentices, technicians, and engineers to demonstrate their skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge.
By leveraging their networks and industry influence, SOE and Women in Bus and Coach aim to attract more female engineers to take part in the event, ensuring they have the same opportunities to excel in their careers as their male counterparts.
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women's achievements and a call to action for gender equality. For me, this day holds particular significance within the engineering community. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remain for women in engineering - a field where gender disparities have historically been pronounced. IWD is an opportunity to reflect on such inspiring stories, assess personal and professional growth, and recommit to fostering an inclusive environment.
Emma Thompson MSOE
Executive Director, Society of Operations Engineers
Why More Women Should Enter the IRTE Skills Challenge
Participation in the IRTE Skills Challenge offers a unique opportunity for women in engineering to:
- Showcase their skills in a competitive yet supportive environment.
- Gain national recognition within the bus and coach sector.
- Network with industry leaders and potential employers.
- Develop their careers through hands-on experience with the latest technologies.
- Inspire future generations of female engineers to pursue careers in transport engineering.
Addressing the Skills Gap Through Diversity
The bus and coach industry is currently facing workforce shortages, with a growing demand for skilled engineers. Encouraging more women to enter the sector not only helps to bridge the skills gap but also brings fresh perspectives, innovation, and a wider talent pool to the industry.
By investing in mentorship, professional development, and awareness initiatives, this collaboration aims to create lasting change and ensure that women have a strong presence in engineering and transport operations.
Engaging with initiatives like SOE's mentoring platform can empower the next generation of female engineers, ensuring that the path forward is more equitable and supportive. Celebrating IWD within the SOE framework reinforces the commitment to diversity, innovation, and excellence in engineering.
Emma Thompson MSOE
Executive Director, Society of Operations Engineers
A Vision for the Future
The partnership between SOE and Women in Bus and Coach marks an important step towards a more diverse and inclusive transport industry. Through IRTE Skills Challenge 2025, they hope to inspire, support, and empower more women to pursue rewarding careers in bus and coach engineering.