Omar Hatahet's Journey through the IMI Skills Competition

Omar Hatahet has an IMI Level 3 Qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles. Hear from Jonathan Hudson, Lecturer of Motor Vehicle at Trafford and Stockport College Group on his student Omar's success in the competition and reaching the qualifiers stage.

How would you describe your competitor?

Omar is an exceptional individual who consistently demonstrates technical precision, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the automotive industry. He is incredibly supportive and a true team player, with an infectious persona that brings positivity and energy to any environment. During his time at the Trafford and Stockport College Group, Omar was a joy to have around—well-liked by both peers and staff for his enthusiasm, kindness, and collaborative spirit.

His love for repairing and diagnosing faults on light vehicles has driven his growth, making him increasingly resilient and confident in his chosen trade. Omar approaches challenges with curiosity and determination, and his commitment to learning and improving continues to set him apart. We’re proud to see his skills and professionalism recognised at a national level.

What does it mean for your organisation to have a student in the competition? 

Having Omar compete in the IMI Skills Competition is a tremendous source of pride for Trafford and Stockport College Group. It reflects the strength of our training programmes and the dedication of our staff in nurturing emerging talent. Omar’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts across our campuses and the wider industry, and it highlights the value of investing in young professionals who are passionate about their craft.

How do you support and develop young talent within your organisation?

At Trafford and Stockport College Group, we are deeply committed to nurturing young talent and helping learners reach their full potential. One of the keyways we do this is by encouraging participation in competitions such as the Greater Manchester Skills Competitions, IMI Skills Competition, and WorldSkills UK. These events provide invaluable opportunities for learners to showcase their abilities, challenge themselves, and gain recognition for their hard work and dedication.

We also run in-college competitions designed to help students build confidence, raise their skill levels, and prepare for external challenges. These internal events create a supportive environment where learners can test their abilities, receive constructive feedback, and celebrate progress among peers.

Our approach combines hands-on, industry-relevant training with strong pastoral and academic support. We work closely with employers to ensure our curriculum reflects current and future skills needs, giving students like Omar the opportunity to gain real-world experience and confidence in their chosen trade.

Our staff take great pride in mentoring students, celebrating their progress, and helping them transition into successful careers in the motor industry and beyond. We foster a culture of encouragement, where learners are supported not just in developing technical skills, but also in building teamwork, professionalism, and a lifelong passion for learning.

How do you see the skills needs of the automotive industry changing over the next few years?  

The skills needs of the automotive industry are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability goals, and changing consumer expectations. Over the next few years, we anticipate a growing demand for expertise in electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology, and power electronics, as the sector accelerates its transition to zero-emission mobility.

Digital skills, including AI, data analytics, and telematics, are becoming essential as vehicles become more connected and software driven. There is also a rising need for technicians who can diagnose and repair complex electronic systems, particularly in EVs and vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

At Trafford and Stockport College Group, we are aligning our training programmes with these emerging needs ensuring learners like Omar are equipped not only with current skills but also with the agility to adapt to future developments in the motor industry.

What advice would you give to other employers/colleges looking to get involved in the competition?

Our advice to other colleges is simple: get involved early and wholeheartedly. Competitions like the IMI Skills Competition, Greater Manchester Skills Competitions, and WorldSkills UK offer transformative experiences for learners. They not only raise technical standards but also build confidence, resilience, and pride in students’ achievements.

Start by embedding competition preparation into your curriculum and creating a culture that celebrates skill development and excellence. Run internal competitions to identify and nurture talent and provide mentoring and support to help learners grow. The process of preparing for competition whether local or national can be just as valuable as the event itself.

Engaging with these competitions also strengthens links with industry and showcases the quality of your training provision. It’s a fantastic way to motivate staff, inspire students, and raise the profile of your college. Seeing learners like Omar thrive on these platforms is a reminder of the impact such opportunities can have not just on individuals, but on the wider learning community.

We’d like to express how proud we are of Omar and all the learners who take part in skills competitions. These events go far beyond technical achievement they build character, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the industry. For Trafford and Stockport College Group, being part of this journey is incredibly rewarding.

One of the key factors in making competitions successful is the full commitment of both students and staff. It’s a team effort you're either all on board or it simply doesn’t work. Support from the college is absolutely paramount, from leadership to tutors, and it makes a real difference in helping learners thrive.

We also want to take a moment to honour the memory of the late Richard Hutchins, who was an outstanding Competitions Manager and a true champion of vocational excellence. His passion, dedication, and belief in young people left a lasting legacy, and his loss is deeply felt across the industry.

Competitions like IMI Skills, Greater Manchester Skills Competitions, and WorldSkills UK showcase the very best of vocational education and highlight the importance of investing in young talent. They also strengthen relationships between colleges, employers, and industry bodies, creating a shared commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing our involvement and supporting more learners as they grow into skilled, confident professionals who will shape the future of the automotive sector.  

Find out more about the IMI Skills Competition.