Technicians: Test Your Skills Online
An online test for bus and coach technicians will help them prepare for this summer’s top competition for the industry – the IRTE Skills Challenge.
Bus and coach operators across the UK are busy choosing top teams of technicians and apprentices to represent them in technical contest the IRTE Skills Challenge. Now in its fourth year and growing, the competition tests mechanical, electrical and bodywork skills to find the best bus and coach technicians in the business.
IRTE Skills Challenge host S&B Automotive Academy has created an online quiz allowing technicians to test their knowledge ahead of the competition, which takes place 2-6 June in Bristol. While completing the test is not an entry requirement for the challenge, the quiz is designed to foster some friendly in-house rivalry in companies, as well as helping operators choose their best and brightest to compete.
S&B Chief Executive Jon Winter explains: “The tests are an overview of the general technological knowledge a competent technician should have, and act as an initial self-assessment for prospective entrants to IRTE Skills Challenge 2014. I would advise any potential competitors to test their skills online and see if they’re up to the challenge.”
The test can be accessed via www.soe.org.uk/irte-skills-challenge
• Username: irtechallenge
• Password: Password#1
Sponsored by Allison Transmission, Bridgestone, Knorr-Bremse and Shell Lubricants, the IRTE Skills Challenge demonstrates the importance of the people who keep the bus and coach industry moving, and has some fantastic prizes from Teng Tools up for grabs.
David Carson, Technical Training Manager for Northern Ireland operator Translink says: “Entering the IRTE Skills Challenge is good for our technicians as it gives them the chance to earn recognition for their skills and represent their company. It’s also a chance for Translink as an operator to put ourselves forward for some healthy competition.”
Entry to the IRTE Skills Challenge is free, and operators so far expressing an interest include Arriva, Coastal Coaches, FirstGroup, Gwyn Jones Coaches, London United, Metroline, and Tower Transit. Show you’re up for the challenge by registering at www.soe.org.uk/irteskills by 28 February, emailing sheena.patel@soe.org.uk or calling 020 7630 2174.
