The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is pleased to announce that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is actively investing in the professional development of Vehicle Standards Assessor apprentices by supporting membership with the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), a sector of SOE.
This alignment directly supports the DVSA and SOE’s mission to raise competence, professionalism and recognition across the road transport engineering workforce.
By promoting IRTE membership and progression toward Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration, DVSA Vehicle Standards Assessor apprentices will have access to the tools, guidance and industry insight required to demonstrate verified professional capability, supporting safer and better-maintained vehicles on UK roads.
As the professional body dedicated to the engineers who maintain and keep transport systems compliant, SOE welcomes DVSA’s leadership in embedding professional standards from the start of an engineer’s career.
Responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards across the UK’s road transport sector, the DVSA plays a crucial leadership role in shaping industry expectations.
SOE Chief Executive Emma Thompson said professional registration was vital to strengthening engineering standards and public confidence in the road transport system.
“By encouraging IRTE membership, DVSA is recognising the value of competence, accountability and continuous professional development, standards that SOE is proud to uphold and promote,” she said.
“The technical guidance and industry insight we provide helps bridge the skills gap and encourage professional practice and verification of the engineer’s qualities.
“Together, we are helping shape a future workforce that is both highly skilled and professionally recognised.”
Andrew Trigg, DVSA Learning & Development Training Specialist said:
"DVSA is developing the next generation of Vehicle Standards Assessors, and this partnership with the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is helping to make that ambition a reality.
"Our partnerships help young people start successful careers as Vehicle Standards Assessors by providing them with access to Continuing Professional Development, valuable industry insights and recognised training.
"We have seen great benefits to the organisations that have supported this programme - and we would love to hear from more who could work with us.”
With an IRTE membership, apprentices benefit from:
- Technical guidance and industry best-practice resources
- Support to successfully achieve EngTech registration
- Professional CPD tools and mentoring
- A recognised professional identity and network of peers
SOE believes that as more organisations adopt professional registration pathways, the road transport sector will benefit from higher engineering standards, improved workforce retention and a strong pipeline of accredited talent.
This collaboration stands as a positive step toward SOE’s goal of advancing professional recognition throughout the sector, ensuring every engineer who contributes to road safety has the opportunity to gain the status and support they deserve.