Skills Show hosts inaugural HGV challenge

HGV technicians were represented for the first time at the Skills Show UK, which took place at the Birmingham NEC on 19-21 November 2015.

Organised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and supported by IRTE, the HGV demonstration challenge was based on IMI’s existing automotive competitions, which cover technology, body repair, and refinishing.

Both apprentices and newly qualified technicians competed in the challenge – two from Iveco and three from Volvo, both sponsors of the inaugural event who supplied a tipper and tractor unit for the competition respectively. One winner from each sponsor was chosen and the top scoring competitors were last year apprentice Aidan Kilkenny from Volvo and irtec qualified apprentice Daniel Cadd from Iveco.

Competitors were required to identify and fix suspension and brake system faults in each vehicle over two days, in test bays designed to mimic workshop environments including engine and transmission rigs.

Helping to judge the event was John Eastman, chair of the IRTE Professional Sector Council, who said that the Skills Show UK provides a major opportunity for attracting engineering talent and getting HGV apprenticeships on the map. John said, ‘Being involved in an event like this further reinforces IRTE as the voice of road transport engineering. It also represents a valuable opportunity for engineering professionals and industry representatives to see first-hand the level of expertise in heavy goods vehicles.’

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