The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) recently celebrated the inaugural IRTE HGV Skills Challenge Awards, in partnership with DAF Trucks, to recognise the talent and achievements of the technicians who keep the UK’s Heavy Goods Fleets on the road.
The Awards ceremony, held at DAF Head Office in Haddenham on 7 November, was a celebration of all the participants, and especially this year’s four winners for their hard work and determination throughout the challenge:
- First Place: Benjamin Newell, Gist Engineering
- Second Place: Nick Town, Gist Engineering
- Third Place: Jordan Lomas, John Lewis & Partners
- Judges’ Choice Award: Storm Nell Brooks, Leeds Commercial Vehicle Hire
Strengthening the Skills Pipeline
The IRTE (a sector of the Society of Operations Engineers) launched the IRTE HGV Skills Challenge to benchmark standards, inspire the next generation of engineers and raise awareness of the technician’s vital role in road transport.
Held at the DAF Apprentice Academy in October, the challenge put the skills of 12 participants to the test across six practical, real-world workshop tasks.
Participants were tested on demonstrating accuracy, technical capability and professionalism across key tasks including detailed vehicle inspections, diagnosing and assessing electrical issues and tyre condition and safety, measuring brake wear and disc runout, and evaluating key engine components.
Hear From This Year’s Winners
First place winner Benjamin Newell said the tasks were challenging but enjoyable, and a chance to refresh his memory on different skills.
“I thought I was sort of middle of the pack on the day, and I didn’t think I did as well on some tasks, so to find that I won first place was quite a shock, I wasn’t expecting it to be me,” he said.
He encouraged anyone who was considering entering the next challenge to “come and give it a go” in 2026.
“You can only do your best and see what you achieve,” he said.
“It was challenging on some tasks, not knowing what you’re walking into and some of the equipment and tools I haven’t used since I was at college, I had to refresh myself on how to use them, but it was an enjoyable day.”
Nick Town said it felt “really good” to have won second place, and be recognised for the effort put into the challenge.
“It was good, it was certainly challenging, and I’d be excited to see what next year brings,” he said.
“It was a good variety of skills for everyone involved.
“I would advise anyone to take part, challenge themselves and see what they can do.”
Third place winner Jordan Lomas said it was nice to be recognised for the “hard work” that technicians put in on a daily basis.
“A lot of the tasks were relevant to what we do, some of them were new, which is good because it takes you out of your comfort zone.”
Setting the Standard for Excellence
DAF Trucks Training and Apprenticeships Manager Matt Coates said the event set a clear benchmark for technical excellence in the industry and highlighted the level of skill required to keep the UK’s heavy vehicle sector operating safely and reliably.
“Partnering with the IRTE on the inaugural IRTE HGV Skills Challenge is something I’m genuinely proud of," he said.
“I also want to extend a sincere thank you to our training partner, Skillnet, for facilitating the event challenges and the technical set up.
“Their support and expertise were essential in creating a fair, high-quality assessment environment that allowed the competitors to demonstrate their ability.”
Mr Coates said DAF Trucks take seriously their responsibility for supporting and championing technical competence.
“Working alongside the IRTE allows us to recognise and celebrate the individuals who continue to raise the bar for our industry,” he said.
Looking Ahead
SOE Chief Executive Emma Thompson said the success of this year’s challenge was just the beginning.
“This pilot has shown just how much talent and passion exists within our technician community,” she said.
“I’d like to thank DAF Trucks for their partnership, and all our event sponsors and supporters for helping our inaugural event be such a success.
“We invite organisations who share our vision to come on board and help us make next year’s challenge our most ambitious yet.”
The IRTE extends its gratitude to the sponsors and supporters who made the pilot challenge possible, including DAF Trucks, GYS, Bilstein Group, Teng Tools, Prestige TCT, and the Drive and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
For more information or to register interest for the 2026 IRTE HGV Skills Challenge, contact: [email protected]