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.
Registrations are now open until Friday 27th March.
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.
Take a look at the 2025 Automotive Refinishing Cycle
Meet previous Refinishing Medalists
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.