Practice makes perfect for Light Vehicle Skills Competitions finalists at IMI Masterclass

The partnership with Pro-Align enables competitors to fine-tune their practices as they prepare for the National Finals.

The latest Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Masterclass for this year’s Skills Competitions finalists saw six Light Vehicle competitors come together to perfect their technical abilities.

Held at Pro-Align’s bespoke Towcester workshop, each of the Light Vehicle finalists were able to turn their hand to a variety of tasks including wheel alignment and wheel balancing. Competitors benefited from using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment including Hunter Road Force Elite, Hunter Hawkeye Elite TD and Hunter Auto34R.

The IMI Masterclasses aim to support Skills Competitions finalists as they prepare to compete at the National Finals this coming November. In addition to focusing on the core technical skills on which they will be judged, the sessions offer tips on how to tackle problem-solving, improve time-management and keep calm under pressure.  

Clive Seabrook, CEO of Pro-Align commented:

 “The Pro-Align team is extremely proud of the premium workshops we operate from and our IMI Approved Centre status, so it goes without saying it meant a lot to us to hold the Skills Competitions Light Vehicles Masterclass. It was a real privilege to work alongside this enthusiastic, knowledgeable group of young people, all sharing a common desire to improve their existing skills and learn new ones. We’re genuinely excited to see how the Light Vehicle specialism concludes, as the competition is going to be very close.”

Daniel Morris, IMI Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprentice at Northgate Vehicle Hire reflected:

 “Today has been really useful. Wheel alignment isn’t something I usually do at work, so it is something that I needed covered in preparation for the finals. The qualifiers were my first experience dealing with high voltage and since then the IMI have supported me with my Level 2 EV qualification, which has helped me progress my skills ready for the final.”

Dave Walker, Managing Director of Evolution Auto Training and Lead Judge for Light Vehicle noted:

“Today the IMI Skills Competition Light Vehicle Technology finalists are attending a master class at Pro-Align in Towcester, who have kindly agreed to demonstrate the equipment that will be used in one of the final tasks in November. The competition is not just about assessing where each of the finalist is at within their learning journey, it is more about continual development and allowing these young people to further develop their skills with ‘state of the art’ equipment and processes. I can’t wait to see them all in action at the WorldSkills UK Finals at Cardiff and Vale College in November.”

The IMI Skills Competitions National Finals, take place at Cardiff and Vale College, November 26th-28th.

Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI concluded:

 “As the professional body for the automotive sector that champions people, we pride ourselves in recognising professional excellence and showcasing vocational skills. The IMI Skills Competitions underpin our promise to nurture grassroots talent and guide the next generation of automotive professionals with our Masterclasses playing a key part in that journey.  

“Yet again, the attitude and aptitude of our competition finalists shone through at the Light Vehicles Masterclass. It’s less than a month to go until we gather to see all the Skills Competitions finalists in action in Cardiff, and with the standard of professionalism seen at both the Body Repair and Light Vehicles Masterclasses exceeding expectations, it’s going to be extremely exciting.”