The IMI appoints new Skills Competitions Manager

Former Gold winner, Michael Massey, will champion skills of young automotive talent

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed certified automotive engineer, Michael Massey, as its new Skills Competitions Manager, taking up the role that was held by Richard Hutchins until he passed away earlier this year.  

Having won Gold for Automotive Refinishing in the 2016 World Skills Finals, and then joining the judging panel for the competition in 2019, Mike has a valuable understanding of the entire competition process. This puts him in a great position to lead the programme that celebrates new talent in the UK automotive sector. Further demonstrating his expertise, Mike was awarded a fellowship at the IMI in May 2023, in recognition of his work and achievements leading IMI/WorldSkills UK Automotive Refinishing Competitions.

Emma Carrigy, Head of Research, Careers and Inclusion at the IMI said of Mike’s appointment: “The Skills Competitions are invaluable in the careers of those who take part, as well as all of those who are inspired by finalists and winners. Such an important programme needed the right person behind the wheel, and Mike’s unique first-hand experience as a nominee, finalist and winner as well as being on the judging panel, made him a standout candidate to take the Competitions forward. We look forward to seeing Mike continue to future-proof the Competitions, encourage continued diversity and celebrate the success and the skill of all those who take part.”

Mike Massey added: “I am proud to be taking on Richard Hutchins’ previous role of managing the IMI Skills Competitions, which mean so much to me and hundreds of others in the industry. The competition process is challenging, inspiring and life-changing, and I want to continue Rich’s legacy by ensuring that continues even as automotive technology changes and the training needs of technicians shift significantly.

“It has been great to see a more diverse pool of nominees in recent years, and I am committed to ensuring the Competitions appeal to everyone. Automotive has a place for all, and the IMI Skills Competitions provide the perfect stage to show that and inspire the next generation of apprentices to join our exciting sector.”

The annual IMI Skills Competitions set out to identify and celebrate the most talented young apprentices working in the automotive sector. They open doors and enhance future talent and skills, whilst inspiring a new generation of apprentices and trainees across the sector. Designed to raise standards, esteem and levels of expertise in technical skills, in 2026 the competitions will focus on three streams of expertise: light vehicle technology, automotive body repair, and automotive refinishing.

Winners of the 2025 competitions, for which Mike was a judge, were announced in November, following the live finals at Cardiff and Vale college.