The IRTE is pleased to announce that Pelican Engineering Group has joined the IRTE Skills Challenge as Headline Sponsor, supporting the advancement of skills development across the UK’s passenger service vehicle (PSV) and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) engineering sectors.
The IRTE Skills Challenge is returning in 2026 with 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.
Based in Yorkshire, Pelican Engineering Group is a fourth-generation, family run business with over 100 years of heritage in the UK commercial vehicle sector.
The company supplies light electric trucks, electric buses, and diesel and electric coaches to operators throughout the UK, and through its dedicated training division, Pelican supports operators and technicians develop the knowledge and skills required to safely maintain and operate electric vehicles.
Pelican Engineering Group Managing Director Richard Crump said they were proud to join the Challenge as 2026 Headline Sponsor, to demonstrate a commitment to skills development and future proofing the industry.
“As the industry moves through one of the most significant technological shifts in history, the need to invest in skills has never been greater,” he said.
“The IRTE Skills Challenge represents the very best of our industry, technical ability, professionalism and a pride in the role, so supporting it felt like a natural and important step for us.
“We work across electric buses, coaches and trucks as well as diesel coach solutions, so we see first-hand the pace of change and the pressures that creates for workshops.
“Alongside this, we actively invest in developing future talent through our apprenticeship programmes and our dedicated Pelican EV Automotive Training division, with purpose-built facilities.”
As the sole UK supplier of Yutong buses and coaches, Pelican has been at the forefront of the UK’s transition to zero emission transport since 2014, delivering over 2,000 buses and coaches, including more than 1,000 electric vehicles.
Pelican EV Automotive Training Manager Matt Cumming said they were looking forward to helping shape the 2026 challenges.
“Pelican wants to bring a real-world perspective, particularly reflecting the environments technicians and engineers are working in today,” he said.
“Road transport is irrevocably moving to a zero-emission future and in almost all cases this will mean electrically powered vehicles.
“Maintaining these vehicles and keeping them on the road are the secure well-paid jobs of the future that cannot be replicated by AI or any other machine technology.
“We’ve looked to reflect this in the challenges, moving beyond purely mechanical tasks to include diagnostics and system-based thinking.
“A focus on EV specific challenges for bus & coach, particularly around high voltage safety and EV diagnostics.
“The intention is to ensure it reflects the skills technicians genuinely need, both now and in the future.”
Society of Operations Chief Executive Emma Thompson said the IRTE was pleased to welcome Pelican Engineering Group to the Challenge.
“Their support strengthens an initiative that plays a vital role in developing technical excellence, inspiring the next generation, and ensuring the UK’s PSV and HGV engineering sectors are equipped for the future.
“We look forward to working closely with the team to help shape and evolve the Challenge this year, ensuring we continue to grow and deliver an even greater impact in skills development."
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 May 4th. For enquiries or to register interest contact [email protected].