IMI Connect for Centres
Centre Update - August 2025
For this month's update we have an introduction from new IMI CEO Nick Connor. Get your diary ready, as we've set the date for the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026.
We were delighted to host a visit from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
The Scottish Government is currently reviewing the Definition of Apprenticeship Principles and would like some input from those working in the industry.
Last but certainly not least, have a read of this month's Centre Spotlight featuring Teaching Educationally Creative Kids (T.E.C.K), focusing on their impressive development over the past 10 years.
Lindsey Mitchell, Director of Development, Quality and Compliance
Introduction from Nick Connor
Nick Connor has recently joined the IMI as our new CEO, bringing a wealth of automotive experience.
Annual Dinner: Save the Date
The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026 date has been set. Find out more and register your interest.
Additional Updates
Take a sneak peek at the upcoming new look of IMI Connect and read about our visit from international centre, UMPSA.
A Spotlight On: T.E.C.K
Teaching Educationally Creative Kids (T.E.C.K) has come a long way in the ten years they have been operating. Read their story today.

A Message from Nick Connor
I’m delighted to be joining the IMI at such a pivotal moment for our industry. The automotive sector is undergoing rapid change, and I look forward to working with you, our Centres, to ensure you are well supported. Together, we will continue to strengthen the IMI’s influence and services to meet the evolving needs of the sector.
Additional Updates
Save The Date
The date is set for the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026. Be sure to put Wednesday the 11th of March 2026 in the diary so you can join us for a night of celebrating automotive excellence. The nominations will be live soon, so watch this space.
If your interested in sponsoring or attending the event, or nominating someone for an award, fill out this form.
Your IMI Connect homepage is getting a new look!
We’re making it easier than ever for you to find the resources you need. The updated design has been streamlined, with assets now organised into clear sections for a more user-friendly experience.
These exciting changes will be rolled out from September, so keep an eye out for the fresh new layout. In the meantime, take a sneak peek above!
If you have any questions or need support, our Centre Support Team is here to help, just get in touch through your usual channels or via the contact details on IMI Connect.
Download your IMI TechSafe resources
For all our centres offering IMI TechSafe qualifications of accredited products, we have put together a toolkit to help shout about the benefits of these qualifications. The IMI TechSafe Toolkit contains:
- IMI TechSafe logos
- A3 and A4 posters on IMI TechSafe
A3 and A4 posters on hydrogen qualifications - A3 and A4 posters on EV qualifications
- A3 and A4 posters on ADAS qualifications
- An information leaflet explaining IMI TechSafe recognition
- A PowerPoint presentation
- 3 IMI TechSafe email templates
A visit from UMPSA
We were delighted to receive a visit from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) last week.
They were visiting IMI Approved Training Providers around the UK to gain insight into different training ideas, and to see best practice in electric/hybrid vehicle qualifications and resources.
During their trip, they visited three IMI Approved Centres including HEAT at Blackburn College (UK), Kia UK Limited Academy in Derby, and Robert Bosch Academy in Denham. They also visited the Lincoln Training Academy.
The IMI welcomes the following new centres:
- Beijing Industrial Technician College
- Universiti Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia France Institute (MFI)
Upcoming Visits
PERHEBAT (Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera Malaysia) will be visiting Fanshaws on the 2nd September. PERHEBAT is the training academy for retiring military personnel in Malaysia and train 5,000 people each year as they retire from the military and start work in civilian industries.
Definition of Apprenticeship Principles (Scotland)
The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s (SAAB) Standards and Framework Group (SFG), has been reviewing the Definition of Apprenticeship Principles, which were first produced in 2018 and contained 14 Principles.
Since the establishment of the SLWG, the Scottish Government has introduced the Tertiary Education and Training Bill. As part of this Bill, the Scottish Government has been working to establish a legislative framework for apprenticeships in Scotland, thereby creating a legal definition of apprenticeship.
Those working in Scotland who will be affected by this are invited to:
- Review the revised guidance
- Complete the online survey – using the link below
- Consultees are asked to agree or disagree with the content for each of the 14 principles
- Make recommendations for improvement
- Provide a statement of support (optional)
Submit survey responses by 24th September.
Feature in a Centre Update
If you've got an exciting story to tell, we want to hear from you. Share your achievements with other IMI Centres by featuring here in a future Centres Update. From interesting tech developments to standout events, let us know what you are getting up to.
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