IMI Connect for Centres
Centre Update - March 2026
Thanks to everyone who joined us at the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards, it was a fantastic evening, and congratulations again to all our winners. We’ve got a few updates to share including standards, support routes and web portal, plus news on EV investment and apprenticeship reforms.
A quick reminder to complete your MOT training before 31st March. And finally, do take a look at this month’s spotlight on MRC Malaysia Training Academy.
Lindsey Mitchell, Director of Development, Quality and Compliance
Important Updates
From NOS to the IMI's Web Portal, here are this month's important updates.
IMI Annual Dinner
Take a look at some of the highlights from this year's IMI Annual Dinner and Awards.
Additional Updates
An update on Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms, government investment in EVs and MOT.
A Spotlight On
Read MRC Malaysia Training Academy's story and take a look at their facilities.
Important Updates
NOS Review 2025-26 – VDA and SMART Repair - COMPLETED
The IMI has just completed a review of three National Occupational Standards (NOS):
- Vehicle Damage Assessor Operations
- Accident Repair – SMART - Cosmetic
- Accident Repair – SMART - PDR
As a result of the review:
VDA NOS have been re-titled and streamlined to better reflect their purpose.
Both SMART NOS suites have been archived, and a new Vehicle Cosmetic Repair suite has been created, comprising mainly body repair and paint refinishing NOS, plus 6 Cosmetic Repair specific NOS.
Further details about the projects and all relevant documentation are available on the IMI Current NOS Projects web page.
If you have any questions please contact Caroline Harris, Frameworks and Qualifications Development Manager at the IMI:
Email carolineh@theimi.org.uk or call 07827 856564
Many thanks for getting involved and having your say!
As part of our ongoing customer service and security enhancements, please note the updated phone menu options when contacting the IMI:
- Press 1 for Membership Enquiries
- Press 2 for Centre Support
- Press 3 for MOT Annual Assessment
- Press 4 for End Point Assessment
- Press 5 for Finance and Accounts
Upcoming Changes to Registration & Certification Emails (Web Portal)
To continue strengthening our data security and ensuring full GDPR compliance, sensitive information will be removed from the specified email communications by 31 March 2026.
From this date, emails will provide high‑level registration and certification information only. For full details, you will be directed to log into Web Portal, where all registration and certification information will remain available.
All existing Web Portal reports will continue to be accessible to users with the appropriate permissions, and new or enhanced reports will also be introduced to support access to detailed registration and certification information as required.
This change ensures that sensitive information is only accessed by authorised users, helping us maintain accurate, secure data across our systems.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we implement this important improvement to protect your data and enhance the security of our services.
Over 500 talented learners and apprentices have been nominated to take part in the IMI Skills Competitions 2026!
Following the assessment stage, the top talent in the UK will gather for the qualifying stages across Light Vehicle Technology, Automotive Body Repair and Automotive Refinishing. These annual competitions celebrate the talent of students, the dedication of educators and employers and the passion of the businesses who sponsor.
IMI Annual Dinner 2026
We were joined by over 400 industry professionals to celebrate automotive excellence at the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026. It was a fantastic night in which we recognised the hard work, passion and achievements of individuals and businesses working within our sector. A huge congratulations to all the winners and a big thanks to all our sponsors, and of course everyone who helped make it a special night.
Additional Updates
The IMI has welcomed the Government’s £1 billion investment to accelerate the rollout of electric vans, trucks and charging infrastructure, but warns that the UK’s critical EV skills gap risks slowing progress.
The latest IMI TechSafe data reveals that only one in four UK technicians are currently qualified to work on electric vehicles, raising concerns about the sector’s readiness to support growing EV adoption.
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
The deadline to complete your MOT Annual Assessment and Training is rapidly approaching. If you don't complete it by 11:59 31st March you will have your tester status suspended and won't be able to carry out MOT tests until you get it reinstated.
6966* MOT testers have still yet to complete their assessment.
If you are one of them, book your MOT Annual Assessment and Training with us today. Our assessment is designed to be completed around your schedule, with the ability to to pause and restart as and when you need to. You'll also be supported by dedicated team via phone Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm. There is also a new online multi-purchase option, perfect for small businesses.
* Data obtained from the DVSA accurate at time of writing 24/03/2026
A Spotlight On: MRC Malaysia Training Academy
International centre MRC Malaysia Training Academy delivers estimating and repair methodology programmes aimed at improving consistency in damage assessment and strengthening understanding of modern repair standards. Have a look inside their centre here.
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