IRTE Skills Challenge set for 2026 return
The IRTE Skills Challenge – which is designed to recognise, develop and celebrate technical excellence across the UK’s PSV and HGV engineering sectors – is set to return in 2026.
This year will see a PSV skills testing week from 1-4 June, and HGV skills testing from 20-21 August, followed by a joint awards ceremony in September.
Now in its 14th year, the PSV element of the challenge is widely recognised as a benchmark for technical skill and professionalism within the passenger transport sector, says the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), which leads the event.
Run in partnership with S&B Automotive Academy, this challenge is open to operators of all sizes, and tests theoretical and practical expertise in electrical, mechanical, and bodywork skills.
Following a successful debut the HGV element, which IRTE aims to grow into an equally respected and industry-recognised competition, enters its second year in 2026.
In partnership with DAF Trucks, the HGV challenge tests participants on 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.
Winners from both competitions will be recognised at an awards event in September, bringing together participants, industry leaders and supporters to celebrate achievement and excellence.
Emma Thompson, chief executive of IRTE parent body SOE, said events like the Skills Challenge were incredibly important for the industry.
“Maintaining high professional standards and continuously developing new skills is critical to the future of our industry,” she said.
“The IRTE Skills Challenge encourages skills development and knowledge sharing in a practical way and represents a fantastic opportunity to celebrate talent across multiple parts of the road transport industry.”
S&B Automotive Academy quality director Richard Belton said S&B were proud to have been involved with the PSV Skills Challenge since its launch 14 years ago, and to see its continued impact on the industry.
“What sets it apart is the breadth of challenges that reflect real-world workshop demands,” he commented.
“The different elements help engineers maintain their skills, stay up to date with best practice and adapt to an industry that’s constantly evolving.”
DAF Trucks training and apprenticeships manager Matt Coates said the company was proud to support the HGV challenge for a second year, and that events like the Skills Challenge were essential for raising standards across the industry.
“The standard set by competitors in year one was exceptional, and it clearly demonstrated the depth of technical talent within the UK’s heavy vehicle sector,” he said.
“This challenge isn’t just about competition, it’s about setting expectations for the future.
“By continuing to support the IRTE Skills Challenge, we’re reinforcing the importance of technical excellence, safety, and continuous development, while helping to inspire the next generation of commercial vehicle engineers.”
The IRTE Skills Challenge is open to technicians and engineers who want to benchmark their skills, gain professional recognition and demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning.
The deadline for businesses to register for participation in the PSV element of the Challenge is 4 May.
IRTE is also inviting corporate partners to support the challenge, emphasising the opportunity to help invest in future skills while aligning with a respected industry platform.
