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.