IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers Continue at Delphi

The IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers have moved into their second week, with the spotlight now on Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle) at Delphi Technologies in Leamington Spa.

Over the coming days, participants from across the UK will compete for a coveted place in the national finals, showcasing the advanced skills required to work on increasingly complex light vehicle systems.

Day One

The first group of Light Vehicle competitors arrived at Delphi Technologies ready to take on a series of demanding practical and diagnostic assessments.

Tasks are designed to mirror modern vehicle repair and maintenance practices, covering areas such as braking systems on hydrogen-powered vehicles, engine mechanics, two electude rigs (one high voltage and one body electrical), engine electrics, and vehicle inspection.

Competitors must demonstrate accuracy, efficiency and a clear understanding of vehicle systems while working under time constraints.

Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competition Manager, commented:

"It’s fantastic to see week two of the IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers underway here at Delphi. The focus now shifts to Light Vehicle, and already we are seeing an impressive level of technical skill from competitors."

Dave Walker, Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle) Lead Judge added:

“I’ve been involved in the industry all my life and have been judging these competitions for 15 years now, and I genuinely love it. It’s a great opportunity to give something back and support the next generation coming through. I’m lucky to have a strong team around me who share that same passion and help make it all possible. There’s so much talent on display, and it’s fantastic to see these young learners developing their skills."

Dave Walker, Managing Director at Evolution Automotive Training Solutions and Light Vehicle Technology Lead Judge

This week, our headline sponsors, Milwaukee Tools, continue to join us on site, demonstrating their equipment, answering questions, and providing tools for the qualifiers.

Our competition sponsor WD-40 will also be visiting throughout the week.

Day Two

Day two of the Light Vehicle National Qualifiers at Delphi Technologies welcomed a new group of competitors who arrived the evening before, ready to take on the next stage of the competition.

Concentration levels remained high throughout the day, with focus and attention to detail evident across all participants as they settled into the competitive environment.

"It’s been great to host the Light Vehicle qualifiers here at Delphi again this year. The competitors have settled into the environment quickly, and the standard of work we’re seeing reflects the quality of training coming through the industry, which is great to see as a technical training manager and judge.”

David Guilfoyle, Technical Training Manager, Delphi

Day Three

The final day of the qualifiers saw the competition draw to a close, with a strong sense of focus and momentum maintained across the workshop.

Delphi also welcomed a number of visitors throughout the day, including representatives from Calex UK, one of the UK's largest apprenticeship training providers, who took the opportunity to see the competition in action and engage with judges and competitors.

Chris Newton, Head of Apprenticeships at Calex commented:

"I was delighted to meet the team at this year’s IMI Skills Competition, hosted at the impressive Delphi Academy in Warwickshire. The event was organised to an exceptional standard, with a series of challenging, real world tasks designed to rigorously test each candidate’s technical ability. It was clear that only the very best will progress to the UK final in Cardiff later this year.
My visit was centred around supporting one of our standout apprentice achievers from the Mazda Apprenticeship Programme. Izzie (from Hendy Mazda Horsham) has recently completed her apprenticeship and is now working towards her Senior Technician Accreditation with Mazda UK. Taking part in the IMI Skills Competition provides a fantastic platform for her development and a valuable boost as she steps into the next stage of her career."

It's been a fantastic week observing the IMI WorldSkills qualifiers. The organisation, professionalism and competition tasks have been outstanding throughout. I've learnt a huge amount from the judges and fellow professionals, and I'm looking forward to bring these best practices into future competitions within the NPTC Group of Colleges. Thank you to everyone involved for welcoming me and including me in such a valuable experience

Tyrone van Zyl, Motor Vehicle Lecturer, Inspiring Skills Ambassador Wales

Celebrating Success

We are proud to recognise the outstanding performers across each day of competition, with first, second and third place awarded in each discipline:

Day One	Day Two	Day Three
Kamran-Ibrahim Holland- First place	Julia Zajaczkoska- First Place	Izzie Moreland-First place
Jake Knight- Second place	Aaron Kelly- Second place	Mitchell Ganniclifft- Second place
Reece Barlett- Third place	Mackenzie Dickson- Third place	Harry Brown- Third place