Disc-Lock Europe was proud to sponsor the 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge, supporting an initiative dedicated to recognising and developing technical excellence across the UK’s passenger service vehicle (PSV) and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) engineering sectors.
The PSV Skills Challenge, held at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol, brought together apprentices and qualified technicians from across the passenger transport industry. Competitors were tested through a range of practical, real-world engineering tasks covering areas such as vehicle inspection, electrical fault diagnosis and braking systems on both diesel and electric vehicles. Society of Operations Engineers
As part of Disc-Lock’s sponsorship, competitors also had the opportunity to work with the Disc-Lock Safety Wheel Nut, helping demonstrate the importance of effective wheel security and correct installation in maintaining vehicle and road safety. As Disc-Lock Managing Director Tim Stokes highlighted ahead of the event, the challenge provides an opportunity for technicians entering the industry to understand not only how the Safety Wheel Nut works, but why effective wheel security is so important. Society of Operations Engineers
The Skills Challenge continued in August with the HGV Skills Challenge at the DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham, giving qualified HGV technicians the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and practical engineering ability. The event further extended the Skills Challenge’s focus on professional standards, technical development and safety across the commercial vehicle sector. Society of Operations Engineers
Disc-Lock’s involvement culminated at the 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge Awards, where competitors, operators, sponsors and other representatives from across the industry came together to recognise the achievements of both PSV and HGV technicians. Representatives from Disc-Lock attended the awards dinner and had the privilege of presenting awards to some of the competition’s winners, celebrating the skill, professionalism and commitment demonstrated throughout the Challenge. The 2026 awards were held on 25 September at the British Motor Museum.
Supporting the Skills Challenge reflects Disc-Lock Europe’s wider commitment to road safety, engineering excellence and the development of the next generation of skilled technicians. Having the Disc-Lock Safety Wheel Nut incorporated into the challenges also provided an opportunity to give technicians practical experience of a proven wheel-security solution that they may encounter throughout their careers.
We would like to congratulate all of the 2026 competitors and award winners, and thank the Society of Operations Engineers, IRTE, S&B Automotive Academy, DAF Apprentice Academy and everyone involved in delivering another successful Skills Challenge.
Disc-Lock Europe is proud to have played a part in supporting the people who will help keep the UK’s commercial vehicle and passenger transport fleets safe and moving for years to come.
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