Why This Challenge Matters
At a time when the transport engineering industry faces a critical skills shortage, increasing regulatory demands, and pressure to innovate, the need to recognise and support technical talent has never been greater.
The HGV Skills Challenge creates a unique opportunity to:
- Celebrate excellence among HGV technicians and apprentices
- Benchmark performance across for technicians across the sector
- Inspire the next generation of engineers in a changing sector
- Raise awareness of the vital role technicians play in keeping fleets safe and roadworthy
This isn’t just a competition. It’s a statement that the engineers behind Britain’s commercial vehicles deserve recognition, investment, and national attention.
Building on 13 Years of Success
Building on 13 Years of Success
Since its launch in 2011, the IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge has earned its place as the UK’s leading skills competition for the PSV sector. Each year, technicians from major operators across the country test their mechanical, electrical and diagnostic skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
The HGV edition brings this same format, rigorous, hands-on, and industry-led to a sector that has long lacked a comparable platform.
With IRTE’s proven expertise in running large-scale national events and an established reputation for independence, credibility and professionalism, this new challenge is built for long-term impact.
Partnership with DAF Trucks
Partnership with DAF Trucks
The inaugural event is being run in partnership with DAF Trucks, one of the UK’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The event will be hosted at the state-of-the-art DAF Apprentice Academy, offering access to modern training environments and cutting-edge technology.
This partnership highlights the industry’s commitment to supporting and elevating technician talent, ensuring participants are tested in a professional, high-quality setting.
Making Professionalism Visible
Making Professionalism Visible
By offering a national platform where skill, precision and safety standards take centre stage, the HGV Skills Challenge will raise the bar for workshop excellence across the UK. The Challenge will shine a light on those who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve, highlighting and celebrating those who keep the HGV sector moving and demonstrating the importance of skills to the sector.
A New Industry Staple in the Making
A New Industry Staple in the Making
While this year’s event is officially a pilot, it marks the beginning of what IRTE expects to become a long-term fixture in the commercial vehicle sector. The intention is clear: to give HGV technicians the same platform for recognition, development, and celebration that the bus and coach sector has benefited from for over a decade.
How to Take Part
How to Take Part
Participants will face real-world tests designed to challenge their fault-finding, diagnostics, and practical engineering knowledge. All who take part will receive CPD certificates and recognition with winners crowned at a dedicated awards ceremony.