IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026
Championing Inclusion in Automotive Award Winner
This award recognises individuals and organisations that have gone the extra mile in their efforts to support people of varying lived experiences, truly playing their part in making automotive a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Congratulations to our Championing Inclusion in Automotive 2026 winner
Apprentice Support Hub, Emtec Nottingham College
The Apprentice Support Hub at Emtec Nottingham College is transforming inclusion in automotive apprenticeships through bold, embedded practice.
Led by a specialist Inclusion Team, the Hub removes barriers for learners with diverse backgrounds, disabilities, and lived experiences through personalised support, employer engagement, and trauma-informed approaches.
With exceptional achievement, attendance, and learner satisfaction outcomes, the Hub has created a campus-wide culture of belonging, fairness, and opportunity—setting a benchmark for inclusive excellence across the automotive apprenticeship sector.
Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees for this award...
Colin Denton from North London Garages
Colin has made a huge impact on inclusion within the automotive sector through his role as Chief Executive of NLGGTA. Through purposeful leadership, he has widened access to the automotive careers for women, neurodivergent learners, people with non-visible disabilities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Colin's ongoing work in championing the return of vocational training in secondary skills, is focussed on future-proofing our sector by inspiring new generations from varied backgrounds to enter the industry.
These efforts mean in February 2026, he will begin delivery of the IMI Level 1 Motor Vehicle programme to 2 cohorts of Year 10 & 11 students, which will be extended to a further 4 following interest.
Wayne Derbyshire, Founder and Managing Director of Teaching Educationally Creative Kids (T.E.C.K)
Wayne Derbyshire has transformed automotive education for learners who struggle in mainstream schooling through T.E.C.K.
Since 2015, he has built pathways from Entry 3 to Level 3 qualifications, supporting learners with SEN, EHCPs, and other barriers to gain skills, confidence, and careers in the automotive sector.
Through inclusive culture, bespoke programmes, apprenticeships, and the Innovation to Inspire Trust charity, Wayne has created opportunities, advocated for fairness, and demonstrated a decade-long commitment to equity and inclusion, making him a true sector champion.
Explore more...
Take a look at our other winners from the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026.
This award is sponsored by
Castrol and The Race Group
