IMI Skills Competition
Heavy Vehicle Technology
Heavy Vehicle Technology tasks include High Voltage, Engine Mechanical, Braking System, Transmission, Body Electrical and Engine Electrical as well as looking at soft skills such as problem solving and time management.
Listen to our 2024 Heavy Vehicle Technology Gold Medalist, Mihaly Zeke
Mihaly Zeke from Watts Truck and Van Cardiff won gold in the Heavy Vehicle Technology category at last year's IMI Skills Competition 2024. Watch our video and hear all about his experience and what the competition meant to him.
Do you have a talented young student who you think would excel in the competition? Nominate them and help them progress in their career and excel in the automotive sector.
Meet the 2024 Heavy Vehicle Technology finalists
Mihaly Zeke, gold medalist
Meet Mihaly Zeke from Watts Truck and Van Cardiff, and Heavy Vehicle Technology 2024 Gold Medalist at the IMI Skills Competition.
Toby Hull, silver medalist
Meet Toby Hull from TruckEast Norwich (Scania), and Heavy Vehicle Technology 2024 Silver Medalist at the IMI Skills Competition.
Callum Stewart, bronze medalist
Meet Callum Stewart from Tayside Contracts, and Heavy Vehicle Technology 2024 Bronze Medalist at the IMI Skills Competition.
Watch our video highlighting the semi-finals
How does the competition benefit students?
Judge Kieran Leyland talks about future talent
Meet previous Heavy Vehicle Technology Gold Medalists
Meet Ben Turner from Skillnet and Harris DAF
Ben said: “World Skills was great fun. It was nice to meet people with similar interests and skillsets. I found the competition to be engaging and it also gave me some pointers to reflect on to improve myself in the future. Taking home gold felt great. It was a huge relief and also gave me a chance to reflect on the amount of effort it took me to get here.”
“I would like my career to keep on progressing. Ideally I would like to be a Master Technician within the next couple of years and also looking to be on a mobile breakdown van. I'm also looking forward to the World Skills International competition when that goes ahead,” says Turner. Wherever his career takes him, Turner’s apprenticeship was the building block that’s allowed him to dream big.
“My apprenticeship was a great mix of learning and fun which really helped engage me throughout. The most interesting bit of the apprenticeship was of course learning about how the modern diesel engine works including the aftertreatment systems they include. The most challenging bit of my apprenticeship was towards the end when completing the standards assessment to pass my apprenticeship,” he says.
Meet George Hinkley from Scania UK
George's journey in automotive was kickstarted by his time doing work experience at a bus and coach garage. His love of all thing’s mechanical stems from his highly methodical and logical way of thinking. From restoring old Land Rovers in his spare time, to his extensive knowledge of all things truck related, George demonstrates a true passion for automotive every day.
George is a prime example of the inclusive nature of our sector, when it comes to potential barriers or difficulties, such as his Asperger’s syndrome, a form of ASC, which George says has been more of an advantage than a hindrance in his job. His manager Leon Highlighted the importance of understanding where difficulties could lie, and making reasonable adjustments, in George’s case allowing him extra space and time to acclimatise to new people and social situations.
George has been able to show given the right environment and support where needed, despite challenges, that you can go on to excel in whatever field you choose.
Mark McAdams from Fife Council
At the time of the competition, Mark was studying in Heavy Vehicle and working for Fife council on their refuse vehicles. He is no stranger to the competition making it to the quarter finals in the past. He said the competition was a good challenge.
He was nominated by his Tutor at Fife College who knew he had what it takes to get this far.
Access preparation tests and activities to help with your learning
Tools and resources
Download the Refinishing digital pack with helpful support and information on the competencies required, and more details of the types of tasks you will be asked to complete at all levels:
The Learning Lab
Enhance learner preparation with pressure tests to help master their technical skills, and mindset masterclasses to build personal skills.
Look back at our 2024 Heavy Vehicle Technology Qualifiers:
