SOE: IRTE boosts PCV industry

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Wednesday, 15, Oct 2008 12:00

New technical guide and an exclusive technology supplement kicks off IRTE’s exciting bus and coach drive.

With public expectation from the bus and coach sector higher than ever, IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) is using its experience to support the vital work of the industry’s engineers.

Throwing sixty years of transport industry experience behind a new campaign that specifically benefits those working in the bus and coach sector, IRTE is launching a new guide, ‘Roadworthiness: Industry Best Practice for PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicles)’, at its EuroBus stand on 4 November. Produced with leading industry bodies, the guide gives advice on best practice so all passenger carrying vehicle operators can improve their vehicle maintenance controls and standards.

IRTE membership experts are available throughout the exhibition to demonstrate how the organisation can support the career development of engineering professionals and help to prove the competency of those who work on PCVs. In addition, IRTE is actively using its influence to nurture tomorrow’s talent by working with training providers and adding value to apprenticeships.

IRTE has recently teamed up with a number of key road transport industry partners in order to provide engineers with professional status - by means of registration with ECuk (Engineering Council UK). Similarly, through enrolment on the organisation’s irtec licensing scheme, PCV technicians can exhibit their competence against a highly respected industry benchmark. An irtec licence not only demonstrates skill, but also rewards those engineers who keep the industry moving.

Part of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), the IRTE is one of the most respected organisations in the road transport industry. Through the benefits of membership, IRTE supports the careers of new and experienced engineers. Members receive industry-leading journal Transport Engineer, including exclusive Bus and Coach Technology supplements. Whilst further benefits include post-nominal letters, training and career support, free technical events, an online resource as well as the opportunity for ECuk registration at EngTech, IEng and CEng level.

Membership Development Manager Will Reeves said: "Engineers and other professionals in the sector play an important role in society and deserve recognition for their vital contribution. The IRTE is passionate about assisting the industry develop, meet the challenges of skills shortages and exceed public expectation.”

If you are interested in finding out how IRTE can work with you to help develop your career or PCV training programmes, visit the IRTE EuroBus stand T182 or contact Will Reeves on 020 7630 6666 or will.reeves@soe.org.uk.

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Editor’s Notes:

IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers)

The IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), one of the most respected names in UK transport, has been recognised as an impartial voice of the industry since 1947.

A Professional Sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), IRTE publishes an industry-leading technical journal, Transport Engineer, every month.

Transport Engineer is renowned for its incisive coverage of key issues, authoritative reporting, news analysis and informed comment.

IRTE also hosts regular technical seminars, forums and works alongside the DfT to promote efficiency and best practice. Recent events include trips and falls from vehicles, truck operation, fuel efficiency and the Road Safety Act.

IRTE’s technical committee also produces regular industry guidance on key topics.

Recent publications include: A Best Practice Guide towards Tachograph Systems Compliance, Roadworthiness: Industry Best Practice, Coupling or Uncoupling & Parking of Large Goods Vehicle Trailers and Tail Lift – Specification Guide for Road Vehicles.

IRTE members come from a wide variety of transport-related roles. These include workshop managers, fleet engineers, transport managers, company directors, apprentices and technicians in the light and heavy goods vehicle and bus and coach sectors.

SOE (Society of Operations Engineers)

SOE is a professional membership organisation that successfully represents some 17,000 individuals and companies in engineering. It supports and encourages members throughout their careers and is committed to their ongoing growth and personal development.

Through a network of trustees, industry partners and members SOE promotes best practice in operational and health & safety initiatives. SOE offers members continuous professional development and support throughout their careers, providing definitive recognition for both achievement and status. The organisation is a Licensed Member of ECUK and can nominate members for ECUK registration at EngTech, IEng and CEng levels.

SOE represents the Professional Sectors IRTE, IPlantE and BES and also runs the irtec Licensing Scheme.

Further details are available from the SOE website at www.soe.org.uk.

irtec

irtec (the ‘i' should always be in lower case) is a renewable voluntary testing and assessment scheme that certifies the theoretical and practical skills of heavy goods and light commercial vehicle technicians. An irtec licence proves a commitment to safety and demonstrable professional development by both the technician and employer.

irtec licences are awarded at three levels, depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. Once an irtec licence is issued, the technician is listed on a national register and is bound by a code of conduct. The licence is valid for a period of five years after which the licensee must undergo reassessment for renewal.

The irtec licensing scheme was developed as a collaboration between the IRTE and many stakeholders in industry. Clients of the irtec scheme include Royal Mail, Northgate, Balfour Beatty, Shell, Northampton County Council, Biffa Waste Services, BT, BP Oil UK, MAN, VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) and the West Midlands Fire Service.

Further details are available from the irtec website at www.irtec.org.uk.