IMI Skills Competition: Automotive Refinishing

IMI Skills Competition

Automotive Refinishing

Refinishing tasks include Preparation and Painting, Paint Fault Rectification, Colour Matching, Plastic Repair and Refinishing equipment as well as looking at soft skills such as problem solving and time management.

Competition Update

The IMI Automotive Refinishing Qualifiers will be taking place on the 20th - 22nd May at Eyebox Training and Conference Centre, Coventry.

If you have successfully passed the online knowledge test, you will be contacted directly with further details on the next stage of the competition, including your allocated qualifier date, timings and what to expect on the day.

Please keep an eye on your inbox for communications from the IMI Skills Competition team. We appreciate your patience and will be in touch shortly.

What is the competition about?

Automotive Refinishing covers, painting of cars, trucks, other vehicles, partly or totally, and single parts of vehicles, often after the completion of body repairs, this includes a wide range of skills, high standards, critical thinking and process applications.

The competition has been designed to reflect the work role of a vehicle refinishing technician, including skills such as time management, planning and problem solving.

Competition Structure

Registration Period

The competition begins with a registration period open from 2nd - 27th March. Learners and apprentices are invited to register their interest in taking part in the IMI Skills Competition by completing the online form.
This stage ensures all participants are formally entered into the competition and receive the relevant information needed to progress to the next stage.
The competition is open to individuals who are currently studying a level 3 qualification or completing an apprenticeship in, as well as those who have completed their studies within the last 12 months.
Online Knowledge Test

In April, participants will receive an online knowledge test to complete. This stage is designed to assess core technical understanding across key areas of the specific competition stream.
The test provides an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their knowledge and readiness to progress, with the top 18 scoring individuals advancing to the next stage of the competition.
National Qualifiers

Successful participants will be invited to attend the National Qualifiers, taking place at the Eyebox Training Centre in Coventry.
At this stage, competitors will be assessed through a series of practical tasks and real-world scenarios, designed to evaluate their technical skills, diagnostic ability and approach to problem solving in a workshop environment.
Competition Finals

Finalists will progress to the IMI Skills Competition Final, held at Cardiff and Vale College, Wales.
This stage represents the highest level of competition, where participants will complete advanced practical assessments, demonstrating the full range of skills required in the modern automotive sector.

Take a look at the 2025 Automotive Refinishing Cycle

Meet Keeley Tait from Auto Assess - Steer Automotive Group

The IMI Skills Competition has been a defining part of Keeley’s journey as an apprentice. With every challenge faced, she has discovered more about her strengths, passion, and what it truly means to excel in refinishing. Hear from Keeley, as well as her training provider, Steer Automotive, on her journey to the IMI Skills Competition 2025 finals.

What inspired you to join the automotive industry?

At just 20 years old, I am proud to be recognised as a rising talent in the motor industry, currently employed at Steer Sudbury. From a young age, I have demonstrated a strong practical aptitude and an instinctive eye for detail and colour, qualities that naturally led me to pursue a career in automotive refinishing.

Though early in my professional journey, I have already received several prestigious awards that acknowledge both my technical excellence and my contributions to the industry. A key influence in my development has been Ethan Buck, whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my growth. His guidance has empowered me to learn from my mistakes, build resilience, and refine my skills with confidence.

Have you faced any challenges on your journey, and how have you overcome them?

As a young professional in the automotive refinishing industry, I have embraced the rapid evolution of vehicle paint technologies with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. The shift from traditional solvent-based systems to advanced waterborne and UV-cured coatings has required not only technical adaptability but also a deeper understanding of environmental standards and application techniques.

Through hands-on experience at Steer Sudbury and ongoing training, I have developed proficiency in using cutting-edge refinishing systems and equipment. I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of colour matching with digital spectrophotometers, manage curing times with precision, and apply coatings that meet both manufacturer specifications and sustainability goals.

These changes have challenged me to think critically, refine my workflow, and stay ahead of industry trends. By embracing innovation and remaining open to new methods, I’ve strengthened my capabilities and positioned myself as a forward-thinking refinisher ready to meet the demands of modern vehicle repair.

Read the full blog.

Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.

Meet Victoria Steele from Sinclair's Bodyshop and Refinishing

Career journey so far:

Victoria’s journey in automotive wasn’t initially as smooth as she’d have hoped, however making the switch from mechanics to accident repair was a huge step in the right direction for her. Later, finding a workplace that supported her professional development gave her the platform to unleash her full potential. Having taken part in the Welsh skills competition, and last year’s skills competition she added “I like challenging myself to showcase my skills against other competitors, so I test my abilities against other great painters and push myself further each time.”

Future aspirations:

Victoria’s immediate goal is to win gold, and as for her career goals, she said: “I just want to keep getting better at what I do and aim to be the best painter out there”.

Employer and manager comments:

Manager Daniel Ahern said “As a manager, it’s great to see Victoria doing well in competitions, we can definitely see the boost in confidence it’s given her over the last couple of years and it’s good for us as a business to be able to show our young talent progressing."

Advice for new apprentices:

Victoria’s advice for new apprentices or competitors: “Whatever stress you may feel, just remember that everyone else is in the same situation and is feeling it just as much as you, so don’t worry so much about it affecting your performance just do the best you can and don’t dwell on any mistakes.”

Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.

Meet Oisin McKerr from Southern Regional College and Porters Bodyshop

Oisin has worked hard to reach a level where he’s ready to compete against the best in the country, embracing everything that’s been thrown at him.

“I have loved every part of my training as it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and it’s been a really great experience with Southern Regional College. The most challenging part of it all was honestly down to the confidence which was easy to overcome with the help of my tutor David Fairley.

“It was definitely nerve wracking at first, having to fly over and be in a completely new area, but once everything settled and I got to know all the judges and competitors I was a lot more comfortable with it and was able to just have fun,” he says.

“Taking home the gold was extremely rewarding, it really showcased that the hard work had paid off. [I found] out back home while I was in the cinema, and was over the moon.”

Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.