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
Professional development for transport managers
The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has published a useful Q&A, looking at how continuing professional development (CPD) can help transport managers to keep their professional knowledge up to date.
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
Rubber assets
With ongoing claims of reduced tyre and fuel costs, as well as improved performance for the latest tyre generations, Brian Tinham reviews the role of tyre husbandry
Safe and professional
With the launch of its new guide to mobile off-site working, IRTE has spelt out required standards and practices not only for technicians but also for third parties using their services. Brian Tinham reports
Improving the standard of engineers’ competence
With the new European roadworthiness testing Directive 2009/40 getting ever closer to formal implementation in the UK, fleet engineers, workshop service providers and VOSA inspectors are going to have to get their heads around checking a possible 69 new testable items. Meanwhile, operators are probably going to have to dip into their pockets, as both costs and vehicle downtime escalate.
Independently assessed
The IRTE’s irtec technician licensing scheme and its Workshop Accreditation programme are growing fast as operators and workshops alike recognise the value of independent certification. Brian Tinham reports
irtec accreditation: the penny finally drops
Welcome to 2016: the year in which irtec (the IRTE’s technician licensing scheme) looks set to lead training agendas. It may have been a long time coming, but, with fleets the size of Sainsbury’s now routinely requiring irtec accredited technicians at all contracted R&M suppliers, the penny is finally dropping.