McLaren Backs Automotive Skills Finalists

McLaren Group has shown its support for the UK’s top young automotive technicians by inviting the winners of the 2012 Skillauto competition to visit the McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey The Skillauto competition, organised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), is the national competition which seeks to find the best young technicians in the fields of mechanical repair, car body repair and car painting through a knockout competition.

The support from McLaren comes on the back of the announcement of the 18 finalists, who will compete to become national champions in their field of expertise at the UK Skills Show on the 15-17th November at the Birmingham NEC. The 18 finalists have fought off 1,200 competitors to reach this stage and are expected to go on to become industry leaders in their field; representing technicians with the level of potential required to go on to work for world leading automotive companies.

During the first two days of the Skill Show, competitors will demonstrate skills required in the three automotive disciplines in front of a live audience, with McLaren joining companies such as Würth, Morelli, SATA and manufacturers including BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and KIA in supporting the Skillauto event.

McLaren will also be onsite for the final, undertaking a Pit Stop Challenge on one of the team’s Formula 1 cars on the third day of the event, ensuring the Skillauto competition will take centre stage at the national Skills Show.

David Massie MIMI, Skills Competition Manager commented,

“The Skills Show provides an ideal showcase for young talent within our industry, and the standard in this year’s heats was very high, promising us an exciting final. The Skillauto competition is supported by many of the top companies in our sector and I’m delighted that McLaren will also be involved, not only in providing the ultimate prize for our three champions, but in the Pit Stop Challenge activity which is sure to produce a real buzz  around our stand. As a Formula One multi world championship winning team they know what it takes to reach that top spot on the podium, representing absolute excellence and our young competitors will hope to emulate that achievement and win gold in Birmingham in November.”

For more information on how you can get involved or attend the UK Skills Show competition at the Birmingham NEC visit: http://worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk/the-skills-show

Notes to Editor

AutoBody

• Matthew Quinn, Charles Hurst Accident Repair Centre, Co. Antrim     
• Matthew Bailey, RGM Vehicle Body Repair, Swansea      
• Jordan Thomas, TWK Thomas and Sons, Swansea
• Martin McGarry, Lindsey Ford, Co. Antrim
• Gerard Brennan, Northern Ireland    
• Matthew Jones, Midway Motors, Pembrokeshire    

Autotech

• Mark Yates, Holdcroft Honda, Stoke on Trent
• Matthew McKeown, Pat Kirk Ltd, Co. Omagh
• Daniel Medlar, Clive Atthowe Tuning, Norwich
• Gary Brown, Arnold Clark Honda, Fife
• Rhys Morris, Nationwide Accident Repairs, Cardiff
• Turlough Lennon, Cotswolds Subaru, Oxfordshire    

Autopaint

• Philip Southwood, Arnold Clark Accident Repair, Altringham     
• Gary Greer, John Lennons Accident Repair, Country Tyrone         
• Chris Louca, Cole Coachworks, Hertfordshire
• Patrick Quinn, Fearghas Quinn Specialists Vehicles, Co. Antrim
• Daniel Coles, Nationwide Crash Repair Centre, Bridgend
• Marc Reilly, Nigel Whann ARC, Co. Antrim                       
   

For further information about Skillauto please contact David Massie

Email: davidm@motor.org.uk
Tel: 07717 445156
Skillauto Website: www.autocity.org.uk/skillauto

About the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI):

The IMI is the professional body for individuals working in the motor industry. Its vision is to ensure that the automotive retail sector has a skilled, competent and professional workforce that is fully equipped to keep pace with the demands of new technology and changing markets while remaining competitive in the global market. The IMI is also the industry’s government licensed Sector Skills Council, the ruling body of the Automotive Technician Accreditation and Automotive Management Accreditation schemes, as well as the authoritative source of retail motor industry careers information, standards and qualifications.

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