IMI 2022 Award Winners Unveiled

Automotive industry celebrates the over-achievers at IMI Dinner

Over 350 members, supporters and industry partners of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) gathered last night in London to applaud the accomplishments of individuals and organisations across the sector in driving continued development and raising already exemplary standards.

“The last two years have presented personal and professional challenges that no one could have predicted”, said Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry. “Yet, collectively, those in the automotive industry have gone above and beyond to ensure that hurdles have been overcome and unexpected opportunities grasped.

“The IMI is extremely proud to represent a richly diverse community of new and established professionals who have stood shoulder to shoulder to not only safely ride the pandemic, but also strengthen the industry’s foundations to ensure its continued success. Last night we had the opportunity to recognise those over-achievers in one of the first in-person gatherings for the sector as we come out of the pandemic.”

The winners of the IMI 2022 Awards are:

Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry - Thatcham Research
Sponsored by Autotech

Thatcham Research has long been recognised as a forward thinking and innovative organisation, committed to providing unwavering support to the automotive industry. However, during the past two years, it has surpassed all expectations in working tirelessly to ensure apprentices on its programme remained on track to secure a future in the industry.

Demonstrating technical innovation through its blended ‘EV Ready’ training programme, Thatcham is at the heart of ensuring that the UK’s transition to electrification will be supported by the repair sector, a mission close to the IMI’s heart. Its ‘EV Ready’ programme also aligns with IMI TechSafeTM, creating a combined commitment to the safety of all those training and working on vehicles with high voltage systems.

Apprentice of the Year (Joint winners)
Ian Robertson of James Moodie Motor Engineers and Ethan Harris of Euro Performance Ltd
Sponsored by Sytner Group

Despite the challenges lockdown placed on learning, Ian Robertson excelled during his SVQ 3 MA at Fife College, demonstrating the drive and enthusiasm the automotive industry seeks to nurture. Ethan equally demonstrates passion and dedication in accelerating his skills, most recently securing his Level 2 NVQ in light vehicle repair and maintenance and already attending Level 3 qualification courses.

Full-time Student of the Year - Trinity Hutley, Barnfield College
Sponsored by Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Trinity has faced and successfully overcome numerous personal hurdles during her studies, including the challenges of learning with dyslexia. Working through her Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications, Trinity was named Student of the Year at Barnfield College. She also acted as a student ambassador and stepped in as the College’s Workshop Technician to support the department and fellow students alike.

As well as receiving the Full-time Student of the Year award, Trinity received the Fellowship of the Motor Industry Bursary of £2,000 in recognition of her dedication and commitment to her career development.

The Patron’s Award - Jan Livingstone, W Livingstone Ltd, Scotland
Sponsored by Alphera Financial Services

Jan’s recognition of the importance of community spirit mirrors the ethos of the IMI. Despite the business challenges the pandemic bought to dealerships nationwide, Jan immersed herself in volunteering in the community as part of a local Action Group. From prescription and shopping collection for shielding residents, to cooking and distributing food and essentials to those in need, Jan’s support was unfailing. Not only was she key in organising donations and suppliers, but she also rallied new volunteers to help with the distribution of hundreds of meals every day.

Contribution to the work of the IMI - Pete Jackson, FIMI, Lincoln College
Sponsored by Castrol

Pete’s win celebrates his commitment to promoting the IMI through employer engagement events at Lincoln College which enable students to explore the latest technologies in the industry and encouraging fresh talent to join the IMI family. In addition to experiencing innovative MOT, engine diagnostic and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) platforms, students have enjoyed discussion and debate stimulated by the IMI’s Connect Social Media platform.

Pete’s passion for, and belief in the career opportunities the automotive industry presents to the next generation of professionals make him a worthy winner.

Partner of the year – Belron
Sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts Ltd

Recognising the need for an industry wide movement to upskill to meet the demands of new vehicle technologies, Belron, the world’s leading vehicle glass repair and replacement group, promotes IMI qualifications to raise standards across the UK and beyond. An investment in the creation of a bespoke IMI Accredited Learning Programme Assessor Award by Belron marks its commitment to standardising its assessors’ capabilities in any language in any region, worldwide.

Its UK brand, Autoglass, was heavily involved in the new Automotive Technicians Glazing standards. Plus Belron is currently in talks with other IMI training providers to develop its own apprentice programme to grow and develop future skills.