IMI Skills Competition Light Vehicle Masterclass

Chantelle Badhan , Marketing Executive
This year’s IMI Skills Competition Light Vehicle finalists headed to Towcester for a hands-on masterclass at Pro-Align's state of the art training centre. Competitors had a unique chance to get hands-on with the tools and technology they’ll face at the national finals.
Mastering the Mechanics
Central to the session was a hands-on training experience that recreated the competition environment. Finalists rotated through a series of tasks focusing on wheel alignment and balancing - essential areas for modern light vehicle technicians.
Working closely with Pro-Align’s cutting-edge technology, competitors gained hands-on experience with equipment such as Hunter Road Force Elite, Hunter Hawkeye Elite TD and Hunter Auto34R. The session helped them not only refine their technical accuracy but also strengthen key skills such as problem-solving and time management.
By the end of the day, competitors left more confident, better prepared, and ready to take their performance to the next level when the finals arrive in November.
Equipping the Competitors
Clive Seabrook, CEO of Pro-Align commented:
“The Pro-Align team is extremely proud of the premium workshops we operate from and our IMI Approved Centre status, so it goes without saying it meant a lot to us to hold the Skills Competitions Light Vehicles Masterclass. It was a real privilege to work alongside this enthusiastic, knowledgeable group of young people, all sharing a common desire to improve their existing skills and learn new ones. We’re genuinely excited to see how the Light Vehicle specialism concludes, as the competition is going to be very close.”
Dave Walker, Managing Director of Evolution Auto Training and Lead Light Vehicle Technology Judge noted:
"The competition is not just about assessing where each of the finalist is at within their learning journey, it is more about continual development and allowing these young people to further develop their skills with ‘state of the art’ equipment and processes. I can’t wait to see them all in action at the WorldSkills UK Finals at Cardiff and Vale College in November.”
Michael Hall, Technical Trainer and Light Vehicle Technology Judge added:
“Having been in the industry for 35 years, there's a real need to drive standards. It’s important to train the next generation and pass the baton on. Judging at the qualifiers was a great experience, and being invited to judge at the finals is an honour. I’m now learning more about the Hunter equipment the competitors will be using, including the Hunter Hawkeye Elite, to make sure I can judge confidently and fairly. You really do learn something new every day with the latest technologies.”

“Today has been really useful. Wheel alignment isn’t something I usually do at work, so it is something that I needed covered in preparation for the finals. The qualifiers were my first experience dealing with high voltage and since then the IMI have assisted me with my level 2 EV qualification, which has helped me progress my skills ready for the final.”Daniel Morris, IMI Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprentice
Countdown to Cardiff
With the masterclass proving a great success, attention now turns to the IMI Skills Competition National Finals at Cardiff and Vale College this November. There, finalists will demonstrate not only their technical ability, but also the confidence, resilience, and adaptability they’ve built through hands-on experience.
The time is now to equip the next generation with the capabilities needed to support future skills. To find out more about the IMI Skills Competition, please click here.