Industry gathers for IRTE Conference 201311 September 2013

The IRTE Conference 2013 – attended by more than 200 industry people – opened this morning (11 September 2013) with remarks from the new chief executive of the SOE Peter Walsh, who highlighted the importance of technical training, experience and competence in the transport sector.

"Successful engineers in our industry carry out their business in an ethical manner and put community ahead of profit," he commented.

"They are champions of the environment and sustainable development, and passionate about continuing professional development, and working with less experienced engineers," he added.

Walsh's words were followed by the keynote address from newly appointed SOE (Society of Operations Engineers – the umbrella organisation for IRTE) patron Sir Moir Lockhead, who urged delegates to strive for safety and attention to detail in their work.

"IRTE has been part of my life since I was an apprentice in a bus garage in Darlington in 1960," he recalled. "Back then, a guy at my college told me that to really get on in the industry, I had to qualify to be a member of the IRTE – by examination, mind.

"To be the best in fleet engineering, joining IRTE was a must, and I believe it still is," added Sir Moir. "I am very proud still to be part of this organisation, now as its new patron."

The one-day conference, held at the National Heritage Centre in Gaydon, is covering a broad range of topics, ranging from Euro 6 legislation to total cost of vehicle ownership, irtec and Workshop Accreditation, hybrid and electric drivelines, and some myth-busting around fuel-reducing aids.

John Challen

Related Companies
Society of Operations Engineers

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