IMI Connect for Centres
Centre Update - April 2026
Welcome to your Centre Update.
This month sees two important reminders. One concerning DVSA requirements for centres delivering MOT qualifications, and another regarding registering and claiming IMI certificates. We are also very excited to announce the launch of the IMI Heavy Vehicle Skills Competitions.
Be sure to get your ticket to the upcoming UK Garage and Bodyshop event taking place on the 3rd of June. Keep up to date with the latest Apprenticeship Reforms developments and have a read of our latest international product offers.
Important Updates
Find out the latest updates, including DVSA requirements, changes involving claiming certificates and the launch of the IMI Heavy Vehicle Competitions.
UK Garage and Bodyshop
The IMI will be attending the UK Garage and Bodyshop on 3-4 June. We will be set up in Hall 6 Stand J45. Register for your ticket today, and we'll see you there.
Additional Updates
Keep up to date with the latest Apprenticeship Reforms developments and some international updates, such as welcoming our first IMI centre in Jordan.
Important Updates
As per the DVSA MOT Assessment Strategy, could you please ensure that MOT Tutor/Assessors have completed their 2026/27 Annual Assessment by 1st July 2026.
Once achieved, a copy of the certificate should be uploaded into the individual’s Centres Hub under the 'Staff Documents' section, as per standard process. This will also be monitored by your EQA.
Please email qualityandcompliance@theimi.org.uk once this action has been met, or if you have any questions. The DVSA will then be notified that your staff member has passed the assessment.
As per DVSA requirements, failure to comply with this action will result in the Trainer/Assessor being unlinked from the MOT qualification(s) and therefore unable to deliver the qualification(s).
A copy of the DVSA Assessment Strategy is available via your IMI Connect Account, under the Operating Manual.
Centres must ensure that the correct units are selected at the point of learner registration. Checks must also be carried out before claiming certificates to confirm that all qualification requirements, including the rules of combination, have been met. Selecting incorrect units for certification may result in further scrutiny in accordance with our maladministration policy. Please ensure all relevant staff are trained and familiar with the correct processes. Further guidance can be found in sections 3.3, 4.1 and 6.1 of the IMI Operating Manual.
The IMI has announced the launch of its new Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition, establishing a dedicated national platform to develop and showcase the next generation of technicians.
The new competition follows changes to the WorldSkills UK competition portfolio, which will see Heavy Vehicle Technology no longer included from 2026. In response, the IMI is taking proactive action to ensure that learners and apprentices across the UK continue to have access to a structured, high-quality competition that supports skills development, progression and career pathways.
UK Garage and Bodyshop
The IMI will be attending the UK Garage and Bodyshop on 3-4 June. We will be set up in Hall 6 Stand J45, and we'll be demonstrating how, with IMI TechSafe, we are helping to futureproof the world of automotive maintenance and repair.
Find out what courses and CPD are available to equip technicians with the skills and knowledge to work safely and competently on EVs, hybrids, hydrogen vehicles and ADAS technologies. We'll also have interactive, on-stand CPD workshops for people to have a go.
Additional Updates
Skills England have recently been undertaking a series of Group of Persons meetings to review Apprenticeship Assessment Plans across several key occupations. These meetings have covered:
- Land-Based Engineering
- Commercial Vehicle and Public Services
- Service and Maintenance Operative Technician
- Construction Equipment Maintenance Mechanic
- Vehicle Damage Assessor and Panel Technician (Accident Repair routes)
In addition, Skills England have updated the Revisions and Adjustments Status Report to include the following standards:
- Construction Equipment Maintenance Mechanic
- Paint Technician
- Autocare Technician
The IMI will continue to actively engage with Group of Persons meetings, offering feedback and insight to support the design of high quality Apprenticeship Assessment Plans (AAPs). When the AAPs are finalised, we will work closely with employers and training providers to develop assessments that:
- Meet Ofqual and Skills England requirements, and
- Give employers confidence that apprentices are being assessed robustly on their competence, knowledge, and skills.
Keep informed on Apprentice Assessment Reforms here
April 2026 saw the IMI launch a number of international products:
- The IMI Product overview and International Brochure
- IMI Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Qualifications
- IMI ADAS Qualifications
- IMI Hydrogen Qualifications
- IMI Light Vehicle Qualifications
- IMI Heavy Vehicle Qualifications
- IMI Accident Repair Qualifications – Body & Paint
We're also very excited to announce our first IMI Approved Centre in Jordan: A very warm welcome to Advanced Development Training Centre.
As the professional body for people working in automotive since 1920, the IMI is proud to support the commercial vehicle industry at every stage - from apprenticeships and qualifications to professional recognition and lifelong career development.
With a fast-evolving skills landscape, from electrification to hydrogen and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), we attended the show to ensure HGV and PSV technicians, training providers, employers and future talent are ready for the road ahead.
At this year’s show, we showcased how the IMI:
- Provides future-focused qualifications and apprenticeship standards across the commercial vehicle sector
- Delivers professional registration and IMI TechSafe® recognition for emerging technologies
- Champions irtec accreditation as the gold standard for HGV and PSV technicians
- Connects individuals to careers, research, and real industry voices
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