IMI begins search for top talent in the industry

Apprentices across the industry will compete in Automotive Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Automotive Body Repair, and for the first time this year Heavy Vehicle Engineering, to qualify for a place at the IMI Skill Auto final held at The Skills Show, Birmingham NEC, in November.

With 85,000 people visiting the UK’s largest skills event last year, the final 26 automotive competitors battled it out over 3 days for a chance to take 1st place – and for a chance to represent the UK in the WorldSkills squad.    

Steve Cassisi, College Tutor and Line Manager of 2015 silver medalist Ben Brown, from North Warwickshire College, commented:
“I knew within myself that Ben had the skills needed to succeed but lacked the confidence to believe in himself. From the heats to the final, I’ve seen a big change in Ben as his confidence has grown and he’s definitely matured over this period. The experience has given him the self-belief that he always lacked, and I can now rely on Ben to hold his own teaching sessions at North Warwickshire College.”

Davie Massie, IMI Competition Manager, said:
“As the standard of competition becomes more intense every year we look forward with anticipation to Skill Auto 2016. With the addition of a heavy vehicle competition, this year more than ever will showcase to young people the range of skills and knowledge needed to work across the automotive sector. I encourage anyone who employs or trains talented young people to nominate them for the competition. Whether they win a medal or not, participating will provide them with valuable experience and increased self-confidence.”

Dates for the IMI Skill Auto 2016 national qualifiers have been confirmed with the competitions taking place at four prestigious venues across the UK:

• 9th - 13th May: Automotive Technology, JLR Academy, Leamington Spa.
• 8th - 20th May: Automotive Body Repair, Babcock Training, Milton Keynes.
• 8th - 10th June: Automotive Refinishing, 3M, Atherstone.
• 20th - 22nd June: Heavy Vehicle Engineering, Iveco, Winsford.

Registration for IMI Skill Auto 2016 opens 1st March at 09:00 and closes 7th April at 17:00.