IRTE Challenge 2025

Our Engineer Apprentices Gear Up for IRTE Skills Challenge in Bristol 🛠️🚌

5th June 2025 – We are proud to announce that a team of our talented engineering apprentices represented Cardiff Bus at this year’s IRTE Skills Challenge, which took place in Bristol on Monday.

This prestigious annual event, organised by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), brings together some of the brightest young minds in the UK’s transport engineering industry. Our apprentices competed against teams from leading bus operators across the country in a series of rigorous practical and theoretical tests designed to assess their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry knowledge.

Representing Cardiff Bus this year are:

• Austin Peacock – 3rd-year Mechanical / Electrical Apprentice
• Liam Evans – 2nd- year Coach Builder
• Daryl Stratford – 2nd-year Coach Builder

The IRTE Skills Challenge is not only a test of skill, but also a valuable opportunity for young engineers to network, gain industry exposure, and build confidence in a competitive yet supportive environment. It highlights the crucial role apprentices play in the future of the transport sector and gives them the chance to shine on a national stage.

Engineering Manager Chris Morgan, who has been mentoring the team, commented:

“It’s been a privilege to guide our apprentices as they prepared for this year’s Skills Challenge. Their enthusiasm, attention to detail, and willingness to learn have been outstanding. It was great to see them put through their paces, and still achieve the end result. Events like this are vital for nurturing the next generation of skilled engineers, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve stepped up.”

We at Cardiff Bus wish the team every success as they take on this exciting challenge in Bristol. Their commitment, technical ability, and teamwork throughout their preparation have already been impressive, and the competition will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase those skills on a national stage.

The awards ceremony will take place in July, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing the results in due course.