Next generation of automotive talent in the spotlight as IMI Skills Competitions 2026 finalists announced

The IMI has announced the finalists for the IMI Skills Competitions 2026 headline sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. Following rigorous National Qualifier events, 18 of the UK’s most talented automotive apprentices have earned their place in the finals, competing across three disciplines: Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Technology, sponsored by WD-40.

The finalists represent employers, colleges and training providers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and are a testament to the exceptional depth of talent emerging across the sector. They will go head-to-head at Cardiff & Vale College’s Automotive Training Centre 18-20th November 2026, where the winner in each discipline will be crowned.

Before the competition begins, all finalists will take part in exclusive Pre-Final Training Sessions designed to ensure they are working with the very latest automotive technology. These include hands-on ADAS calibration training using Car-O-Liner’s latest Tru Point system and IMI EV qualification training for finalists in Automotive Technology. Finalists in Automotive Refinishing will receive training from Glasurit on the 100 Line paint system, while finalists in Automotive Body Repair will benefit from premium welding and bodywork equipment and training provided by Car-O-Liner.

“The calibre of candidates coming through the IMI Skills Competitions each year is a genuine source of pride for our sector,” said Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competitions Manager. “These finalists have already demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment to get this far. The fact that they will leave the finals with additional training underlines that these competitions don’t just recognise talent, but develop it. The automotive industry needs skilled, future-ready technicians, and these young people are exactly that.”

Automotive Body Repair Finalists

•    AJ Bartholomew — Queens Classics, Coleg Llandrillo — Rhyl Site (Grwp Llandrillo Menai)
•    Craig Wallace — L&I Eaton, Edinburgh College
•    Dylan Morgan — Fordthorne Cardiff, Cardiff & Vale College
•    Jamie Smith — Fordthorne Cardiff, Cardiff & Vale College
•    Ryan Davies — Nigel Whann ARC, Riverpark NI
•    Tiernan O’Rielly — Porters Bodyshop, Riverpark NI

Automotive Refinishing Finalists

•    Aaron Saxton — FMG Repair Services
•    George Briggs — Steer Automotive Group
•    Harvey Willoughby — RT Auto Bodyshop, Peterborough Skills Academy
•    Leah Sargent — Sytner BMW Cardiff
•    Mason Clarke — BCA Automotive, Doncaster Rotherham & District GTA
•    Tayla Bennison — Drive Vauxhall Redcar

Automotive Technology Finalists

•    Izzie Moreland — Hendy Mazda, Calex UK Ltd
•    Jake Knight — Howard’s Motor Group, Skillnet Ltd
•    Julia Zajączkowska — Cartime Motor Company, Hopwood Hall
•    Kamran Ibrahim-Holland — Stoneacre Academy
•    Mitchell Ganniclift — Johnson’s Skoda, Inspiro Learning Ltd
•    Reece Bartlett — NK Motors, Skillnet Ltd

The IMI is proud to work alongside headline sponsor Milwaukee Tool and its Light Vehicle sponsor WD-40. It also recognises the valuable contribution of its industry partners: 3M, Car-o-Liner UK Ltd, Delphi, Electude, Eyebox Training & Conference Centre, Glasurit, ITAS, Morelli Group, Redashe, SATA, Stellantis and Toyota (GB) plc.

Discover more about the IMI Skills Competitions.