First Bus scoops seven awards at the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge

First Bus has topped the tables at this year’s IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge – becoming the most successful operator at the event.

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Scooping the top prize in the Bodywork Technician, Mechanical Technician and Master Technician categories, First Bus also took home three runners-up awards alongside the Judges’ Choice award.

The IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge is an annual competition organised by the Society of Operations Engineers, in which qualified and apprentice PSV engineers compete in a series of electrical, mechanical and bodywork challenges.

Not only is the challenge an excellent opportunity for engineers to showcase their skills and knowledge, but it also helps raise the standards of the industry and develop the next generation of engineers.

The winners and runners-up from First Bus were:

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  • Bodywork Technician Winner: Hasan Girach
  • Mechanical Technician Winner: Morgan Bond
  • Master Technician Winner: Andy Knowles
  • Judges' Choice Winner: Hasan Girach
  • Mechelec Runner-Up: Finlay Reed
  • Electric Driveline Technician Runner-Up: Liam Blyth
  • Master Technician Runner-Up: Stephen Price

Heath Halle, Engineering Training Manager at First Bus, said: “We always encourage our qualified and apprentice engineers to take part in the IRTE Skills Challenge as it’s a fantastic way for them to push themselves, acquire new skills and improve the ones they already have. We’re immensely proud of Team First Bus for taking home seven awards this year, and it’s been great seeing the dedication of those who came runner-up last year push forward and win their category this year.”

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Hasan Girach, Bodywork Technician at First Bus, said: “I’d recommend everyone to take part in the challenge, not only because it gives you an opportunity to enhance your skillset, but you also get to meet new people. Winning two awards now that I'm qualified has been really humbling, especially as I came runner-up last year when I was an apprentice. My one bit of advice is to take on every opportunity you get and make the absolute most of it.”

For full details of all the winners, click here.