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.
Meet the 2025 Heavy Vehicle Technology Finalists
Austin Peacock
Cardiff and Vale College - Cardiff Bus
Kieran Mitchell
Fife College - Fife Council
Lewis Somerscale
Fife College - Fife Council
Oliver Thomas
Cardiff and Vale College - Celtic Vacuum
Tristan Hunter
Remit - MAN Truck & Bus
Will Foulger
Skillnet Ltd - Foulger's CVS
Take a look at the 2025 Heavy Vehicle Technology National Qualifiers
Meet previous Heavy Vehicle Technology Gold Medalists
Meet Mihaly Zeke from Watts Truck and Van Cardiff
Career journey so far:
“I grew up here in the UK, but since a young age, I was often around farming equipment and vehicles with my family back in Hungary, and I always liked helping out with tractors; taking things apart and fixing things. I had applied to do an apprenticeship before Covid, but when that happened, I did a bit of work at an independent and doing engine rebuild work. Eventually I was able to apply again and got the job. I could have done something completely different like art which I was interested in, but I’m glad I followed my interests.”
Future aspirations:
"I still have to progress where I am and move up the ladder. And so that’s one path I see. The other option I see is running my own workshop one day. That’s always been something that’s interested me."
Employer and manager comments:
Mihaly's Manager said: "Mihaly is very confident and very calm which lends well to the competition environment. He wanted to put himself forward and we were happy when he went and won the Welsh competition. But to go forward from there and to make it into the UK national final is even better. We’ve been a DAF dealer for years and the brand has always been represented well in the Worldskills, but Mihaly is the first from our depot which is great."
Advice for new apprentices:
"We feel it is really important to set realistic expectations about the working conditions and what’s expected, sometimes a job looks and sounds good on paper but the reality is sometimes very different. So do a bit of research and enjoy the rewarding feeling the job provides.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.
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.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.
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.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.
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.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.