Physical Challenge
The IRTE's Skills Challenge was officially launched at Euro Bus Expo 2010. John Challen was there to find out more about the competition for bus and coach operators' technicians
Quality qualification
As the voluntary technician licensing scheme irtec prepares to enter a new phase, with IMI and IRTE working to seal their collaboration, John Fife finds out what operators think
Raising our game with another Skills Challenge
With the applause for the winners of the 2011 inaugural IRTE Skills Challenge still ringing in the ears of the great and the good called to witness the awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament earlier this summer, it's timely to think about training, education – and bringing new blood into our industry.
On the buses
Darren Roe, engineering director at Stagecoach Manchester, triumphed at the 2010 UK Bus Awards, picking up the prize for Engineer of the Year. He tells John Challen his plans for technicians and apprentices
Roll of honour
60 technicians from 10 bus operators took part in the IRTE Skills Challenge. Brian Tinham reports from last month's awards ceremony
IRTE conference welcome
SOE patron Beverley Bell offers her vision for how to improve transport and logistics recruitment
irtec evolves
Following consultation with the transport industry, development work is nearing completion on both service maintenance technician and inspection technician standards in the irtec scheme. John Challen reports
Joined up thinking
In the wake of this year’s Microlise Transport conference, Brian Tinham reviews issues and solutions for operators, and the future as perceived by OEMs
Talking heads
With 2011 just around the corner, John Challen asks SOE president Chris Grime, and CEO of the Freight Transport Association Theo de Pencier, to predict the next 12 months for fleet managers
Technician training
Apprenticeships are increasingly being used as a recruiting mechanism by companies large and small in the transport sector, with irtec accreditation the ultimate accolade. Brian Tinham reports