Pelican is named Headline Sponsor of 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge
Pelican Engineering Group has been named Headline Sponsor of the IRTE Skills Challenge for 2026.
Its support will back the advancement of skills development across the UK coach and bus and HGV engineering sectors. The skills testing week for PSV will run from 1-4 June, and that for HGV on 20/21 August. A joint awards ceremony will be held in September.
Pelican is active in both areas, including through its Pelican Bus and Coach arm that supplies Yutong coaches and buses. It additionally has a dedicated training division that supports operators and technicians to develop the knowledge and skills needed to safely maintain and run electric vehicles.
Speaking about the decision to work with the Skills Challenge, Pelican Engineering Group Managing Director Richard Crump says it is part of the family-owned business’s commitment to skills development and futureproofing the sector.
“As the industry moves through one of the most significant technological shifts in history, the need to invest in skills has never been greater. The IRTE Skills Challenge represents the very best of our industry, technical ability, professionalism, and pride in the role, so to support it felt like a natural and important step for us,” adds Mr Crump.
Pelican EV Automotive Training Manager Matt Cumming says that the business “wants to bring a real-world perspective” to the Skills Challenge, “particularly reflecting the environments that technicians and engineers are working in today.”
He continues: “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 have 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 coach and bus, particularly around high voltage safety and EV diagnostics.
“The intention is to ensure that it reflects the skills that technicians genuinely need, both now and in the future.”
IRTE is a sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE). The Skills Challenge is open to engineers to benchmark their skills, gain professional recognition, and demonstrate commitment to continuous learning. The deadline for operators to register for participation in the coach and bus element is 4 May.
SOE Chief Executive Emma Thompson has thanked Pelican for its commitment to this year’s Skills Challenge. “Its support strengthens an initiative that plays a vital role in developing technical excellence, inspiring the next generation, and ensuring that the UK’s PSV and HGV engineering sectors are equipped for the future," she says.
“We look forward to working closely with the team to help shape and evolve the Challenge this year, ensuring that we continue to grow and deliver an even greater impact in skills development.”
For enquiries about the 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge or to register interest, contact SOE by email.
Ricky's Travel takes delivery of an EVM X-Clusive minicoach
Ricky’s Travel of Millom has welcomed a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an X-Clusive minicoach conversion to its fleet, supplied by EVM UK.
It is a 16-seater, with those positions including aisle-side armrests, three-point belts, and diamond stitching. A glazed roof and wood-effect flooring have also been specified as part of a high-end configuration.
Twin tables are fitted at the rear, with luggage space in a large drop boot. Entry is via a powered plug door. Other amenities include USB charging points, a fridge beneath the dash, Webasto saloon air-conditioning, and panoramic side glazing.
The customary EVM body kit and chrome trim items are included on the minicoach, which will be used on a variety of work by Ricky's Travel as part of its luxury fleet. Handover was by Area Sales Manager Matt Thompson (pictured, left) to the Cumbria operator's team.
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Golden Green Travel among first to take next-gen Yutong TC9 midi
Golden Green Travel of the Staffordshire Moorlands is among the first customers to receive a new-generation Yutong TC9 midi, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It showcases the upgrades to the new model, which has succeeded the longstanding and highly successful original TC9 in the UK market. That includes what the dealership says is “a radical makeover,” with significantly different external styling.
Beyond that, a new interior has been developed that includes an ergonomic, driver-focused cab area. Mood lighting, seating of a style shared with larger GT-range coaches from Yutong and increased luggage space are all part of the changes.
In addition, the dash binnacle is now digital and the driver’s seat comes with heating and cooling functionality along with a massage setting.
The new variant "is built to continue [the TC9’s] success as market leader and more with its looks, performance, and high specification,” says Pelican UK and Ireland Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins.
He has thanked Golden Green Travel for its business, which represents a continuation of the Longnor operator’s favour of the Yutong TC9. The new vehicle comes with a cherished registration mark. It is powered by a Cummins B6.7 engine driving through a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
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