To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Women in Bus and Coach is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE). This collaboration is dedicated to increasing female representation in engineering, with a particular focus on the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge 2025.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
The bus and coach sector has long been male-dominated, mirroring broader trends in engineering. While progress has been made, women still face significant barriers, including outdated stereotypes, a lack of visible role models, and limited access to industry opportunities.
Women in Bus and Coach is committed to addressing these challenges by working alongside SOE to create a more inclusive industry that reflects the communities it serves. Through this partnership, we aim to empower more women to consider and pursue careers in engineering and transport operations.
"Women are making incredible strides in the bus, coach and community transport industry, but engineering remains an area where female representation is still far too low. By partnering with SOE for the IRTE Skills Challenge, we are breaking down barriers and showcasing the wealth of talent women bring to engineering roles. Visibility is key - when women see others thriving in this space, it sends a powerful message that they belong here too. Together, we're driving real change and shaping a more inclusive future for the industry."
Elevating the IRTE Skills Challenge 2025
Now in its 13th year, the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge provides a national stage for PSV apprentices, technicians, and engineers to demonstrate their expertise. By collaborating with SOE, Women in Bus and Coach seeks to increase female participation in the challenge, ensuring that women engineers have the same opportunities to showcase their skills and advance their careers.
By leveraging our network and industry influence, we aim to make this competition a platform where female engineers are seen, recognised, and celebrated for their contributions.
Why More Women Should Enter the IRTE Skills Challenge
Participation in the IRTE Skills Challenge offers a unique opportunity for women in engineering to:
- Demonstrate their technical skills in a competitive yet supportive environment.
- Gain national recognition within the bus and coach sector.
- Network with industry leaders, potential employers, and mentors.
- Enhance career prospects through exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
- Inspire the next generation of female engineers to enter the industry.
By increasing female representation in the challenge, we aim to break down barriers and normalise the presence of women in technical roles within the bus and coach sector.
Addressing the Skills Gap Through Diversity
The bus and coach industry faces a growing demand for skilled engineers, making diversity and inclusion more crucial than ever. Encouraging more women to enter the sector not only helps address the skills shortage but also fosters innovation, fresh perspectives, and a stronger, more dynamic workforce.
Through mentorship, professional development, and awareness initiatives, Women in Bus and Coach is dedicated to ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts, making the industry more inclusive and sustainable for the future.
A Vision for the Future
Our partnership with SOE marks a significant step towards a more diverse and representative transport industry. Through initiatives like the IRTE Skills Challenge 2025, we aim to inspire, support, and empower more women to build successful careers in bus and coach engineering.
By championing female engineers today, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry for future generations. Women in Bus and Coach is proud to lead this change and encourage women across the sector to step forward, take part, and showcase their expertise on a national stage.
Are you ready to be part of this change? Register below and take your place in shaping the future of the industry.
