New IMI competition creates national stage for next-generation of Heavy Vehicle technicians

Industry-backed initiative ensures a continued national platform for developing emerging talent in the sector 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has today announced the launch of its new Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition, creating a dedicated national platform to develop and showcase the next generation of Heavy Vehicle technicians.

The competition has been established following changes to the WorldSkills UK competition portfolio, which will see Heavy Vehicle Technology no longer featured from 2026. In response, the IMI is taking proactive action to ensure learners and apprentices across the UK continue to have access to a structured, high-quality competition focused on skills development and progression, while also continuing to work with WorldSkills UK on their competition portfolio.

Celebrating emerging talent in the heavy vehicle sector, the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition is designed specifically for individuals who are currently, or have completed, an automotive apprenticeship in heavy vehicles within the last 12 months. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to build technical capability, confidence and professionalism, while gaining national recognition as they progress into the workforce.

The competition reflects the evolving demands of the sector, incorporating key areas such as electric and hybrid systems, advanced diagnostics and modern heavy vehicle technologies, ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge required for a rapidly changing industry.

Commenting on the launch of the new IMI Competition, Michael Massey, Skills Competition Manager, IMI, said “while we were disappointed to see Heavy Vehicle Technology removed from the WorldSkills UK competition portfolio, it is vital that the sector continues to have a strong, visible pathway for emerging talent.

By launching our own national competition, the IMI is ensuring that learners and apprentices have the opportunity to develop, be recognised and progress into the workforce. This is about protecting the future of the sector and giving the next generation the platform they deserve.”

The IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition is being delivered in collaboration with leading employers, OEMs and training providers, representing a unified effort across the sector to support workforce development and future skills.

Matt Coates, Training & Apprenticeships Manager, DAF Trucks, commented "at DAF Trucks, the development of highly skilled technicians is fundamental to supporting an industry undergoing rapid technological and environmental transformation.

The IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition provides a credible national platform for apprentices to demonstrate technical excellence, benchmark their capability, and gain recognition at a formative stage in their careers. Initiatives of this calibre are essential in setting expectations, driving standards, and reinforcing the professionalism of the sector.

DAF Trucks is proud to support a programme that not only celebrates emerging talent, but also contributes meaningfully to the long-term sustainability and capability of the industry’s workforce."

The Competition Cycle

The competition will follow a structured, multi-stage format designed to support development and progression.

The first stage will require learners to register their interest in competition on the IMI website. The registration period will open on 1 April 2026 and run for the entire month. Following this, those registered will be required to complete an online knowledge test during the month of May to assess core technical understanding.

Top-performing participants will progress to the National Qualifiers, taking place on 1-3 July at the Renault Trucks UK Training Academy, Leicester, where they will be assessed on practical skills and real-world scenarios.

Finalists will then advance to the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition Final on 4 September DAF Apprenticeship Academy, Nottingham, with winners announced at a dedicated medal ceremony on 18 September at DAF Trucks Ltd, Aylesbury.  

Employers, training providers and learners can register for the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition here.

Entries close on 30 April 2026.  

Find out more about the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition here.