IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers Begin at Eyebox, Coventry

The next generation of automotive talent has arrived in Coventry as the IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers officially get underway at Eyebox.

Bringing together some of the UK’s most promising young professionals and apprentices, the qualifiers showcase the technical excellence, innovation and future-ready skills shaping the automotive workforce of tomorrow.

Across the competition, participants will put their knowledge, precision and problem-solving abilities to the test in a high-pressure, real-world environment.

Over the coming days, competitors from across the country will compete for a place in the national finals, demonstrating expertise across a range of disciplines and technologies that are critical to the future of the motor industry.

The IMI Skills Competition continues to play a vital role in celebrating talent, raising professional standards and inspiring more people to consider a career within automotive. The event also provides an opportunity for employers, educators and industry leaders to come together and support skills development across the sector.

Day One 

Competitors in both Automotive Body Repair and Automotive Refinishing have arrived at Eyebox ready to tackle practical and technical assessments designed to reflect real industry scenarios and showcase the high standards required within today’s automotive sector.

Automotive Body Repair competitors are rotating through a series of tasks which include; panel replacement, metal finish repair, MIG welding, filler repair, and panel bonding.

Automotive Refinishing tasks include; spray equipment, paint defect rectification, scratch repair, colour matching, and prep and paint a panel. 

Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competition Manager commented: 

"It's been fantastic to see the first day of the IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers underway here at Eyebox. As this is my first competition cycle as IMI Skills Competition Manager, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the passion, professionalism and technical ability already being demonstrated by competitors.

Our body repair and refinishing competitors are fully immersed in their tasks, and the level of skill and attention to detail on display has been outstanding. These competitions are all about showcasing the incredible talent coming through the industry, and today has been a brilliant example of the future of automotive skills in action."

Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competition Manager

Mark Poland, WorldSkills National Competition Delivery Programme Manager added: 

“From the moment I arrived, it was clear this competition had been organised to an exceptionally high standard. The professionalism, attention to detail, and support for competitors created an environment that truly reflects the values of WorldSkills UK. It has been fantastic to see the start of such a well-run event that celebrates talent, dedication, and excellence in skills.

Eyebox is a fantastic venue that provides a high-quality competition environment that really gets the best out of the competitors.”

We have our headline sponsors, Milwaukee Tools on site who are demonstrating equipment, answering questions, and supplying tools for the qualifiers. 

Day Two

The second group of Automotive Body Repair and Automotive Refinishing competitors arrived last night, ready to begin the next stage of the competition bright and early at 8am.

With fresh competitors stepping onto the competition floor, the atmosphere remains focused and energetic as participants put their technical knowledge, precision and professionalism to the test. 

The level of concentration, attention to detail and commitment on display continues to reinforce the importance of skills competitions in developing the next generation of automotive talent.

"The IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers have been a great experience so far. Competing at this level pushes you to focus on your skills and attention to detail, and it’s nice to be surrounded by so many talented people from across the industry.

Taking part in the Steer Automotive competition a few months ago helped build my confidence ahead of today, but the IMI Skills Competition feels like a huge step up and a brilliant opportunity to showcase my skills and what I can do.”

Hassan Khan, Automotive Refinishing Competititor

With strong performances across both disciplines, day two demonstrated not only technical excellence, but also the resilience and commitment that define the next generation of automotive talent.

Peter Gibbons, Lead Automotive Body Repair Judge noted:

“Being at the qualifier stage is always exciting, this is where we start to see real talent emerge. I’m looking forward to finding out who will earn their place at the finals in November at Cardiff and Vale College and seeing how they rise to the challenge as the competition progresses.” 

Day Three

The final day of the IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers brought the event to a close with an impressive display of focus and determination from every competitor. 

With the pressure of the last challenges and final assessments, participants gave their all to deliver their best performances yet.

Across all disciplines, the high standards seen throughout the week were maintained right through to the finish.  

As the qualifiers concluded, there was a strong sense of achievement across the venue. For many competitors, reaching this stage is a significant milestone in itself, and a reflection of the dedication and passion they have invested in their skills.

Celebrating Success

We are proud to recognise the outstanding performers across each day of competition, with first, second and third place awarded in each discipline:

Day One

Automotive Body Repair	Automotive Refinishing
Ryan Davies- First place	Aaron Saxton- First place
Tiernan O'Reilly- Second place	Tayla Bennison- Second place
Craig Wallis- Third place	Jack Lloyd- Third place

Day Two

Automotive Body Repair	Automotive Refinishing
Jamie Smith- First place	George Briggs- First place
Dylan Morgan- Second place	Hassan Khan- Second place
Zak Livingston- Third place	Lee Morgan- Third place

Day Three

Automotive Body Repair	Automotive Refinishing
AJ Bartholomew- First place	Leah Sargent- First place
Olivia Kopania- Second place	Mason Clarke- Second place
Nassor Adbillah- Third place	Harvey Willoughby- Third place

A huge congratulations to those who achieved podium places, it is an incredible accomplishment in such a competitive field.

However, a massive well done must go to every single competitor who took part in this year’s National Qualifiers. Reaching this stage is no small feat, and each participant should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. 

Finally, a sincere thank you to our judges whose dedication and willingness to volunteer their time play a vital role in the ongoing success of the IMI Skills Competitions. 

View the galleries from the week and find out more about the IMI Skills competition here.