The IMI Bursary: Victoria Steele

The IMI is committed to ensuring that the automotive workforce, both present, and future, feel empowered at all stages of their career. That’s why each year, the IMI awards a bursary to support members of the automotive community who have faced personal or financial challenges. The bursary is designed to help individuals progress in their careers by providing access to the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed. 

In 2024, the IMI bursary was awarded to Victoria Steele, an exceptional Automotive Refinisher at Sinclair Group. 

Victoria impressed judges by winning gold in the 2024 IMI Skills Competition in the Refinishing category, following her silver medal win the previous year. Her dedication, practical skill, and strong communication abilities made her a standout choice for the award. 

The bursary is helping Victoria invest in her own professional equipment—essential in a role where technicians are often expected to supply their own tools, which can lead to challenges when relying on shared kit. Victoria’s story is a shining example of talent, perseverance, and passion for the sector.

The latest kit from SATA

Victoria used her bursary to invest in top-of-the-line equipment from SATA GmbH & Co. KG, including two Jet X Digital Pro spray guns, a SATA Vision 5000 Carbon respirator, a SATAjet 100 B F RP, and a five-gun storage case. This kit will enable her to work more safely and efficiently. The spray guns, which are among the latest on the market, are designed to minimise paint usage—helping reduce waste and saving her company money in the process.

The impact of the bursary

Ahead of receiving her new equipment, Victoria shared her thoughts in an interview:

“Winning the IMI bursary award felt unreal to me. Having the support from the IMI themselves to help me further my career, better my career, it was such a nice feeling. The bursary will support me by allowing me to purchase brand-new equipment, which I can look after myself. It’s going to be high-end, new equipment, the best available on the market, so this will help me a lot.”

Reflecting on the longstanding support from the IMI, Victoria remarked:

“The IMI has shaped my career path quite a lot actually. They’ve been supportive the whole way, throughout the skills competition, throughout my college course. They’ve been extremely supportive; they want the best for everyone. They do what they can to help, they’re very supportive people.”

A day with SATA UK 

Victoria was invited to visit SATA UK, where she met with Matt Stevens, Managing Director, SATA UK and collected her brand-new equipment bundle. From the start, Victoria knew she wanted to invest her bursary in high-end tools from SATA. After her first few uses of the new spray guns, Victoria was instantly impressed, leaving her able to see to see the long-term potential of the tools on her career. The equipment not only supports her technical work but also adds to her confidence and independence in the workshop, setting her up for continued success.

I knew instantly I wanted to spend my bursary win on equipment to further my training and to take pride in having my own equipment. I knew that SATA was the right choice, I have always loved the brand. And now I have my own guns to cherish for years to come.

Victoria Steele

SATA UK were also excited to be part of Victoria’s journey, commending her passion and dedication to her career and the automotive sector. They’re excited to see how Victoria’s career continues to unfold.

Through Victoria’s hard work, she had been awarded the IMI bursary, and we were delighted that she chose to spend it on a variety of SATA equipment. Congratulations, Victoria. We look forward to watching you progress in your career!

SATA UK

Looking ahead

The IMI plays a vital role in ensuring that the next generation of talent is equipped to meet the challenges of a fast-evolving industry. Our annual bursary works to fulfil this by supporting those starting their careers in automotive, by ensuring they have access to the right equipment or learning resources, such as extra courses or CPD. We believe that having the support of a wider community can help everyone maintain their passion for the automotive sector, which will push them to successfully progress their careers. 

There’s always more to come

It doesn’t stop there of course. At our 2025 Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony, we were proud to award 2 more IMI bursaries. 

The first was awarded to Teagan Whiteman of Fix Auto, who not only wowed judges at this year’s IMI Skills Competition in Refinishing but has also been shortlisted to represent the UK at an international level at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai which takes place in 2026. 

The second was awarded to Matthew Ford who showed tremendous strength and resilience when he won the silver medal in Light Vehicle Technology despite a personal tragedy days before the competitions started.

Stay tuned for updates from our latest winners to see how the bursary positively impacts them and their careers.