IMI Skills Competitions Finalists Announced

Skills comp

24 students and apprentices go forward to compete for a place in the national finals 

Following National Qualifier events in May and June, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the finalists in the IMI Skills Competitions. Students and apprentices are nominated by their tutor or employer under four key specialisms – Body Repair, Refinishing, Light Vehicle Technology, and Heavy Vehicle Technology. The 24 finalists will now compete in the live national finals between 18th and 22nd November 2024 in Greater Manchester.

Richard Hutchins, IMI Skills Competitions Manager said, “The finalists include career changers, industry returners, and, for the first time, two women in the Refinishing stream. Each finalist stood out from their competitors for their keen focus, overcoming personal hurdles and a real commitment to improving their skills for the benefit of the industry.

“With the automotive sector facing ongoing recruitment challenges, as highlighted by our There’s More to Motor campaign, putting the spotlight on those positively pursuing and achieving a career in the sector is vital to attract new talent. The group is an inspiration to current employees as well as to the next generation considering taking the same path into automotive.”

The winners of the four specialisms will be announced at a medal ceremony at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on 22nd November 2024. Eligible winners will also have the chance to progress to Squad UK and represent Team UK in EuroSkills 2025 at Herning in Denmark and WorldSkills International 2026 in Shanghai, China.

The 2024 IMI Skills Competition Finalists

Refinishing

Name

Training provider / college 

Employer 

Victoria Steele

NPTC

Sinclaire Bodyshop

Ben Robertson

Southern Regional College

G&H Auto Repairs

Ben Williams

Cardiff and Vale College

Manor Garage

Lewis Patterson

Riverpark

Agnew Preparation Centre

Teagan Whiteman

Coleg Gwent

Fix Auto Newport

Kyle Davin

Cardiff and Vale College

Love Your Car

 

Body Repair

Name

Training provider / college 

Employer 

Belal Al Haka

Cardiff and Vale College

FMG RS

Joe Wilton

Riverpark

SDM Paint Works

Aaron Cooper

Thatcham

Steer Automotive Group 

Jordan Lingham

NPTC

Sinclair Bodyshop

Owen Thomas

Cardiff and Vale College

Bprolls

Nathan Hoe

Emtec

Steer Automotive Group 

                                                           

Heavy Vehicle Technology

Name

Training provider / college 

Employer 

Mihale Zeke

Cardiff and Vale College

Watts Truck and Van Cardiff

Toby Hull

Scania

TruckEast Norwich

Matthew Hatton

Mercedes Benz UK

Intercounty Truck and Van Wellingborough

Connor Blades

Remit Academy

Scania GB

Callum Stewart

Edinburgh College

Tayside Contracts

Harry Brown

Fife College

Fife Council

Light Vehicle Technology

Name

Training provider / college 

Employer 

Adam Culverhouse

BMW Group Academy

Sytner BMW Leicester

Charlie Taff Lavill

South Devon College

Volkscraft

Matthew Ford

Coleg Gwent

Monmouth MOT Centre Ltd

Karl Wilson

Skillnet  

SG Petch

Robert Maskell

Skillnet  

Ford

Harry Tully

Skillnet  

Vosper Ford Exeter