The IRTE Skills Challenge continues to prove why it's one of the most important initiatives in the UK transport engineering sector.
On Wednesday, 16 July 2025, the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge reached new heights with a spectacular awards ceremony held at The Grand Station in Wolverhampton. Hosted by former BBC presenter David Sheppard, and supported by some of the industry's leading organisations, the event marked the culmination of months of preparation, technical competition, and industry-wide collaboration.
Now in its 13th year, the IRTE Skills Challenge continues to grow in both scale and prestige, this year proving to be its most successful edition yet.
Setting the Stage, A Fitting Host with a Personal Connection
The 2025 Awards Lunch was hosted by David Sheppard, a familiar voice to many from his years on BBC radio. But for this event, it wasn’t just his broadcasting experience that made him the ideal host; it was his connection to the IRTE.
Sheppard’s father has been a long-standing IRTE member since 1981, beginning his journey in the engineering industry as an apprentice. David’s personal ties to the profession added a layer of warmth and sincerity to the ceremony, which celebrated not only technical skill but also the value of mentorship, family legacy, and professional pride.
What is the IRTE Skills Challenge?
The IRTE Skills Challenge is a national competition that puts the spotlight on bus and coach technicians and apprentices, the very people who keep the UK’s public transport running safely and efficiently every day. Competitors from across the country are tested on their knowledge and practical skills across multiple disciplines, including electrical systems, mechanical diagnostics, driveline technology, inspection standards, and bodywork.
Each year, the Challenge helps organisations:
- Identify rising stars
- Celebrate team achievements
- Encourage apprenticeships
- Promote workshop excellence
Record-Breaking Participation and Industry-Wide Support
The 2025 edition welcomed more competitors than ever before, with record interest from operators and workshop managers who recognise the benefits of entering their teams into the competition.
The IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge is the cornerstone of our calendar, and one we’ve proudly supported and developed over 13 editions of the competition. The competition brings together the brightest talent in bus and coach engineering, highlighting the importance of skills and personal development in the sector, while also sparking innovation, collaboration, and industry-defining conversations. We are honoured to facilitate such a vital platform.
Emma Thompson MSOE
Designate Executive Director, Society of Operations Engineers
Celebrating the 2025 Winners
The awards ceremony recognised excellence at every level, from first-year apprentices to seasoned technicians and team leaders. This year’s winners demonstrated not only individual brilliance but also the power of collaboration and support within workshops.
Individual Winners
Individual Winners
Philip Margrave Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement:
Heath Halle, First Bus
Bodywork Apprentice:
Abdikafi Abdi, First Bus
Electrical Apprentice:
Stuart Dunlop, Lothian Buses
Electric Driveline Apprentice:
Hasan Khan, National Express
Mechanical Apprentice:
Jamie McCallum, Lothian Buses
Mechelec Apprentice:
Alex Hirst, First Bus
DVSA Inspection Apprentice:
Kaden Dacosta, First Bus
DVSA Inspection Technician:
David Farnworth, First Bus
Bodywork Technician:
Paul Bevan, National Express / Lucketts Travel
Electrical Technician:
Jack Davidson, Reading Buses
Electric Driveline Technician:
Peter Blake, First Bus
Mechanical Technician:
Calum Beltrami, Metroline
Coach Technician:
Craig Brown, Greys of Ely
Master Technician:
Stephen Price, First Bus
Team Awards
Outstanding Apprentice Team:
Michael McNicol, Jamie McCallum, Stuart Dunlop – Lothian Buses
Outstanding Qualified Team:
Nikolajus Kovalenkovas, Peter Blake, Daniel Sobolewski – First Bus
Industry Collaboration: Powered by Our Sponsors
The continued success of the Skills Challenge would not be possible without the backing of its sponsors. This year’s event was proudly sponsored by:
- Alexander Dennis
- VARTA by Clarios
- Imperial Engineering
- GTG Training
- GYS
- C9 Recruitment
These sponsors share a common goal: to equip engineering professionals with the tools, resources and recognition they deserve, while helping the sector evolve and thrive. Their support enables us to deliver a competition that not only challenges but also uplifts and inspires.
Why Skills Matter
The Skills Challenge isn’t just an annual event; it’s a reflection of the sector’s ongoing commitment to training, professionalism, and excellence.
Participation offers real value to operators:
- For employers, it boosts morale, drives standards, and helps identify top talent.
- For apprentices, it’s a platform for recognition and development.
- For the industry, it’s a demonstration of engineering’s impact on safety, sustainability, and service.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate another successful edition, all eyes turn to the future. The 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge promises new tests, new talent, and new opportunities to raise the bar even higher.
If you’re a:
- Workshop manager looking to benchmark your team
- Training provider aiming to support development
- Sponsor interested in championing industry talent
Then this is the event to get behind.
The IRTE Skills Challenge continues to prove why it's one of the most important initiatives in the UK transport engineering sector. As we applaud the 2025 winners, we also celebrate an industry that values learning, supports its people, and looks forward to the road ahead.
Congratulations once again to all who took part, and we’ll see you at the next Challenge.