Former BBC broadcaster David Sheppard will host the IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch, on 16 July in Wolverhampton, celebrating the UK’s top transport engineers.
The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) is delighted to confirm that David Sheppard, former BBC radio presenter and experienced live event host, will headline the IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch 2025 as its official host. The event will take place on Wednesday 16 July at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton.
Known for his decades of broadcasting experience and captivating stage presence, David brings a sense of occasion and warmth to every event he hosts. His involvement adds a layer of prestige to an already important date in the bus and coach industry calendar.
A Personal Connection That Spans Over 40 Years
David Sheppard’s presence at this year’s IRTE Skills Challenge is especially meaningful. His father became a professionally registered member of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) in 1981, beginning a family legacy rooted in engineering excellence.
This personal connection with IRTE gives this year’s ceremony a uniquely heartfelt dimension, as generations of engineering commitment come full circle.
What Is the IRTE Skills Challenge?
The IRTE Skills Challenge is the UK’s leading competition for bus and coach technicians and apprentices, spotlighting the skill, safety, and precision required to keep the UK’s commercial vehicle fleet roadworthy.
Held at the S&B Academy in Bristol, the challenge brought together technicians and apprentices from across the country. Competing in a series of practical and written assessments, participants demonstrated their abilities in areas such as diagnostics, inspections, and systems knowledge.
The competition not only benchmarks excellence, it also highlights the vital role that workshop teams play in the safety and reliability of UK public transport.
For 2025, the competition expanded to include a dedicated HGV category for the first time, marking a significant step in widening participation and reflecting the evolving demands of the sector.
The Awards Lunch: A Grand Celebration in Wolverhampton
The IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch 2025 will take place at The Grand Station, a landmark venue in Wolverhampton, chosen for its grandeur and central location. This event marks the culmination of months of hard work by competitors and training teams.
The lunch will bring together:
- Bus and coach technicians and apprentices
- Engineering managers and team leaders
- Sponsors and industry partners
- SOE staff and IRTE representatives
- Media and guest speakers
Along with David Sheppard as host, the event promises to be both celebratory and inspiring.
Why the IRTE Skills Challenge Matters
Shining a Light on Workshop Excellence
The bus and coach industry depends on skilled technicians to keep fleets moving safely and efficiently. While the work often goes unseen by passengers, it’s essential to the day-to-day functioning of public transport.
The IRTE Skills Challenge puts that work front and centre, celebrating the people who maintain the highest standards in engineering, safety, and service.
Supporting Career Development
For apprentices and younger technicians, the Challenge represents more than a competition, it’s a career milestone. Many past winners have gone on to secure promotions, gain professional recognition, and contribute to mentoring future participants.
Honouring Craft, Legacy, and Talent
With David Sheppard hosting, a stunning venue, and an inspiring lineup of finalists, the IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch 2025 promises to be a highlight of the engineering calendar.
Join us in Wolverhampton to celebrate the technicians and apprentices who keep our public transport systems moving safely and with pride.