The IMI opens nominations for 2026 Skills Competitions, supported by returning sponsors Milwaukee Tools

New EV and ADAS tasks set for learners, supporting them to master the latest automotive technologies

Nominations are now open for the 2026 IMI Skills Competitions, with a closing deadline of 27 March 2026.

The IMI Skills Competition builds, benchmarks, supports and celebrates the excellence that defines the future of the motor industry workforce. Designed to elevate emerging talent and raise professional standards and esteem across the sector, the competition provides a national platform for learners, employers and training providers to demonstrate capability at the highest level.

Nominations can be made across three disciplines: Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle), Automotive Repair and Automotive Refinishing. Reflecting the growing need for skills across the latest automotive technologies, the Competitions have been elevated to include tasks on EVs and ADAS.

More than a live test of skill, the IMI Skills Competition provides a structured cycle of mentorship and development. Competitors are supported as they step beyond day-to-day competence, testing their technical ability, resilience and professionalism under real-world pressure.

The competition is open to all learners, whether studying an automotive qualification or completing an apprenticeship within the last 12 months. Learners at any level are all welcome, with many participants returning at higher levels to continue developing their skills.

Overseeing the Competitions for the first time is Michael Massey, the IMI’s new Skills Competitions Manager. A certified automotive engineer, Mike is a former Gold Automotive Refinishing winner and has been on the judging panel since 2019.

“As automotive technology evolves, the training needs of technicians are shifting significantly,” explained Mike. “We have, therefore, elevated some of the skills tasks for this year’s Competitions, working closely with employers and technical training providers to identify common skills gaps.

“The IMI Skills Competitions are designed to raise competitors’ esteem, skills levels and expertise. By introducing modern, impactful tasks using the latest diagnostic equipment, we are raising learners’ skills sets to match the day-to-day demands of vehicles coming into their workshops. Competitors will, therefore, gain invaluable knowledge, while their employers benefit from an enhanced workforce.”

Milwaukee Tools are returning as the headline sponsor for 2026. “The IMI Skills Competition showcases the emerging talent shaping the future of our sector,” said Martin Bryers, Head of Transport for Milwaukee Tools. “It strengthens workforce capability and highlights automotive as a highly skilled, future-focused profession. We are proud to support a competition that accelerates development while delivering tangible value to employers.”

The Competition Cycle

The first round of the Competitions requires employers and centres to register competitors who will then complete an online test to demonstrate their technical knowledge. Top scorers from the online tests will gain a place in the National Qualifiers which will take place in May at the Eyebox Training and Conference Centre in Coventry and the Delphi Academy in Leamington Spa.

The top six competitors in each skill stream of the National Qualifiers will be invited to attend an IMI training day in the run-up to live finals in November in Cardiff. After the finals, age-eligible winners may have the opportunity to progress with Team UK to the biannual WorldSkills International competition to be held in Japan in 2028.

To shine a light on the new talent in the UK automotive sector and highlight the excellent learning delivered across the industry, employers and FE colleges simply need to complete the nomination form on the WorldSkills website with the consent of their nominees. Entry is free and can even earn employers and FE colleges additional free training for their nominated employees, with the competition counting towards 20% of on-the-job training in an apprenticeship.

Find out more and submit your nominations to be part of the IMI Skills Competitions in 2026.