The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), a sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), has celebrated the successful launch of the first-ever HGV Skills Challenge in partnership with DAF Trucks.
Held on the 1st October 2025 at the DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham, the pilot event marked a milestone moment for the UK’s road transport industry. The academy, a £3.5 million state-of-the-art training facility, provided a fitting backdrop for a competition that tested, showcased and celebrated the skills of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) technicians.
A strong debut for HGV technicians
The inaugural HGV Skills Challenge builds on the 13 years of proven success of the PSV Skills Challenge, which has long been recognised as the benchmark event for bus and coach technicians.
For its debut year, the Challenge drew participation from some of the most recognisable names in the road transport industry, with teams from Gist Engineering Ltd, Leeds Commercial Vehicle Hire, John Lewis Partnership, Allied Bakeries and Biffa taking part. Their involvement underscored the event’s importance to the sector and set a high benchmark for future competitions. Designed to test technical knowledge, compliance, and hands-on engineering skill, the Challenge highlighted the vital role technicians play in keeping some of the UK’s largest and most complex fleets safe, reliable and efficient.
The competition was strongly supported by industry sponsors GYS, Bilstein Group, Prestige TCT, Teng Tools and with backing from the DVSA.
Industry leaders step up
The strong turnout and high level of competition reflected both the industry’s appetite for an HGV-focused challenge and the calibre of the organisations involved. With leading operators and manufacturers backing the event, the pilot demonstrated how collaboration across the sector can drive standards forward and showcase the technical expertise that underpins road transport.
Looking ahead
The pilot’s success sets the stage for an annual HGV Skills Challenge, designed to benchmark standards, inspire the next generation of engineers, and raise awareness of the technician’s vital role in road transport.
The winners will be announced and celebrated at a dedicated awards ceremony later this year, recognising not only individual achievement but also the industry-wide collaboration that made the pilot possible.