Steering the future of skills in bus and coach engineering
Founded in 2011, IRTE Skills Challenge is an annual competition showcasing the exceptional skills of the engineering stars working in road transport across both the PSV and HGV sectors.
Teams of qualified and apprentice technicians compete in a series of electrical, mechanical and bodywork challenges at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol to find the best in bus and coach.
In 2025 the competition was opened to technicians working on HGV vehicles for the first time, with the testing taking place at DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham.
Whether you're a small, medium, or large operator, we invite you to put forward your best teams to compete in this prestigious, DVSA-backed initiative. Don't miss the chance to be part of an award-winning event that celebrates the very best in the industry and shapes the future of road transport engineering.
Key dates
Deadline for PSV teams submissions (4 May 2026) - Deadline for PSV competitors to submit their entries.
PSV Skills Testing Week (1 - 3 June 2026) - Where competitors from the PSV Sector around the country take on the challenge at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol.
HGV Skills Testing Week (20 - 21 August 2026) - Where competitors from the HGV Sector around the country take on the challenge at DAF's Apprentice Academy, Nottingham.
IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch (TBC September 2026) - Competitors, operators, press and sponsors come together to celebrate the winners.
Want to take part? Fill out the form here.
Proud Sponsors
Headline Sponsor: Pelican Engineering Group
Pelican Engineering Group is a fourth-generation, family run business with over 100 years of heritage in the UK commercial vehicle sector. Based in Yorkshire, the company supplies electric zero emission buses, and diesel and electric coaches to operators throughout the UK. Through its dedicated EV training division, Pelican also supports operators and technicians with the knowledge and skills required to safely maintain and operate electric vehicles. A full range of charging equipment is also available.
As the sole UK supplier of Yutong buses and coaches, Pelican has been at the forefront of the UK’s transition to zero emission transport since 2014, delivering over 2,000 buses and coaches, including, more than 1,000 electric vehicles.
Pelican is committed to long-term customer support with a strong focus on aftersales, training and technical expertise. The business also invests in developing future talent, employing apprentices and supporting skills development across the industry.
As headline sponsor of the IRTE Skills Challenge, Pelican is proud to support the mission of empowering and equipping the next generation of PSV and HGV technicians. By championing skills, innovation and hands-on learning, Pelican is helping to ensure the industry remains strong and ready for the future, and that young people are equipped with the skills they need.
Visit their website: https://pelican-eng.co.uk
GTG Engineering
GTG Engineering Services is a trusted provider of specialist engineering services, supporting PSV, HGV, and plant operators across the UK. With a strong reputation for quality and reliability, GTG delivers a wide range of services including welding and chassis protection, engine replacements, and campaign/warranty work.
Our team of highly skilled, coded welders and engineers are committed to the highest standards of workmanship, working with fleet operators and OEMs to maintain safe, compliant, and road-ready vehicles. From detailed chassis inspections and structural repairs to full engine replacements, we pride ourselves on delivering efficient solutions that minimise downtime and extend vehicle life.
At GTG Engineering, we understand the importance of developing the next generation of skilled engineers. That’s why we’re proud to support the IRTE Skills Challenge 2026, celebrating talent, technical excellence, and the future of the transport engineering industry.
Visit their website: https://gtg-engineering.co.uk
Imperial Engineering
Imperial Engineering has been an independent specialist in the supply of brand new OE parts to the bus and coach industry for over 60 years. Based in Harlow, Essex, Imperial Engineering is a fifth-generation family owned business that has developed into the UK’s principal independent distributor of OE bus parts and coach spares and components.
Visit their website: https://www.imperialengineering.co.uk/
febi Truck
febi Truck is a leading supplier and manufacturer of commercial vehicle repair solutions. Our extensive range of tested OE matching quality products includes over 16,000 components for all popular European (“The Big 7”) vehicle manufacturers.
Visit their website: https://www.febi.com/truck
Skills Challenge news
Pelican Engineering Group join 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge as headline sponsor
The IRTE is pleased to announce that Pelican Engineering Group has joined the IRTE Skills Challenge as Headline Sponsor, supporting the advancement of skills development across the UK’s passenger service vehicle (PSV) and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) engineering sectors.
IRTE Skills Challenge Returns in 2026 to Celebrate PSV and HGV Excellence
The IRTE Skills Challenge is set to return in 2026, and will continue to recognise, develop and celebrate technical excellence across the UK’s passenger service vehicle (PSV) and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) engineering sectors.
Closing the Engineering Skills Gap: How SOE is Strengthening the Engineering Talent Pipeline
The UK engineering industry is facing a skills crisis, intensified by factors including an aging workforce and advances in technology. Demand for skilled technicians and engineers significantly outweighs supply, and the need for a highly trained, professionally recognised workforce is clear.