IMI Skills Competition
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.
Listen to our 2024 Refinishing Gold Medalist, Victoria Steele
Victoria Steele from Sinclair Group won gold in the Refinishing category at last year's IMI Skills Competition 2024. Watch our video and hear all about her experience and what the competition meant to her.
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 Refinishing finalists
Victoria Steele, gold medalist
Meet Victoria Steele from Sinclair's Bodyshop, and Refinishing 2024 Gold Medalist at the IMI Skills Competition.
Ben Robertson, silver medalist
Congratulations to Ben Robertson from G&H Auto Repairs, and Refinishing 2024 Silver Medalist at the IMI Skills Competition.
Teagan Whiteman, bronze medalist
Meet Teagan Whiteman from Fix Auto, and Refinishing 2024 Bronze Medalist at the IMI Skills Competition.
How does the competition benefit students?
Top tips for winning gold from a Worldskills judge
Hear from 2023 Bronze Medalist, Declan Philips
Meet previous Refinishing Gold Medalists
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.”
Ryan Lowrey from Fylde College and The Vella Group
Ryan was studying a Level 3 in accident repair at The Blackpool and Fylde College. Ryan also works for the Vella Group who seem to be doing a great job of supporting their apprentice’s education.
When we asked Ryan how he got into the industry he told us: “I found body work really interesting and this was a complete different career change for me as I previously did agriculture”. He also told us he thought the competition had been great so far and was really looking forward to getting the chance to do the practical tasks.
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 Refinishing Qualifiers:
