IMI Skills Competition
Light Vehicle Technology
Light Vehicle Technology tasks include Vehicle Inspection, Engine Mechanical, Braking System, High Voltage, Body Electrical, Engine Electrical as well as looking at soft skills such as problem solving and time management.
Registrations open on Monday 2nd March 2026.
What is the competition about?
Automotive Technology covers the maintenance/inspection fault diagnostics and repair of passenger cars, light vans etc. Automotive Technology includes a wide range of skills, very high standards and critical thinking, precise process applications and problem solving.
The competition has been designed to reflect the work role of a modern automotive technology technician, including skills such as time management, planning and problem solving.
Take a look at the 2025 Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle) Cycle
Meet previous Light Vehicle Technology Gold Medalists
Meet Marc Cockerton from Inspiro Learning Ltd - Citygate Automotive
Marc is currently completing an IMI Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance. Hear from his training provider, Citygate Automotive, on his journey so far.
How would you describe your competitor?
Marc is an absolute credit to our team and someone we all hold in very high regard. He’s knowledgeable, accurate, and takes real pride in everything he does, no matter how big or small the job, he approaches it with the same enthusiasm and care. You can always rely on Marc to get things right, but also to do them in the right way.
What really stands out about Marc is his genuine character. He’s kind, patient, and always willing to make time for others. Whether that’s helping a colleague, answering questions, or just lifting the mood in the workshop.
His passion for the automotive world shines through in everything he does, and his drive to keep learning and improving is something we all admire. Marc is thoughtful and analytical in his approach, always considering every option before making a decision. He’s loyal, hardworking, and completely dedicated to both his craft and his team. We honestly can’t imagine the place without him. He’s not only a talented apprentice but also a genuinely great person to work alongside. I genuinely believe we couldn't do what we do without him.
What does it mean for your organisation to have a finalist in the competition?
Having a finalist in the IMI WorldSkills competition is an incredibly proud moment for Citygate Automotive Ltd! Marc’s achievement is not only a testament to his own skill, dedication, and passion for the industry, but also a reflection of the strength of our apprenticeship programme and the supportive environment the team has built at CV Wooburn Green and across the wider business. It shows that our commitment to developing future talent is paying off - producing and nurturing technicians who can perform at the highest national level.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.
Meet IMI Skills Competition Light Vehicle Technology Gold Medallist 2024, Karl Wilson from SG Petch:
Career journey so far:
"You know thinking back, I’ve always wanted to be a mechanic. I've always been into cars, so it was always a goal for me. Finding this apprenticeship was actually quite lucky. It was actually a friend of my mum's who knew I wanted to get into the trade whose son happens to be my current mentor! My manager, Mike, interviewed me and I got given the opportunity. I now work with one of our master techs, which is the best place to be as you see the most interesting mix of jobs which adds to my experience."
Future aspirations:
“We work with five different manufacturers, so my main aim is to achieve master tech across all five brands. And of course, keep up with any new EV technology and skills that come about in the meantime.”
Employer and manager comments:
Karl’s Manager, Mike said: “I’ve been in the sector for a long time and I can tell you that Karl is an anomaly. He adapts to everything that’s thrown at him and has far exceeded what we’d expect from your average apprentice. His dedication to training is exceptional and he will always ask for more."
Advice for new apprentices:
Karl said: “Taking a step back and some time to think about what you’re doing is better than taking five steps forward in the wrong direction.”
Mike said: ”Take every training opportunity you can. With Karl, by the time I’ve signed him up for training he’s already found more he wants to do, and you can’t ask for more than that really."
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.
Meet Oliver Young from he UHI Perth and J&R Autos Services
Oliver tells us about his experience at the IMI Skills Competition:
What was it like competing in the IMI Skills Competitions finals?
I really enjoyed the whole experience. It gave me a great insight into larger dealership-type training. This was new to me as I have always learned on the job in smaller independent garages. The team of organisers and judges made us all feel so welcomed and comfortable – this helped a lot when some of the tasks were quite nerve-wracking.
How did it feel to take home gold?
I was so happy to get first place. I was surprised to be honest because the other competitors were all very good. I knew it would be a close competition after meeting everyone. I am glad my hard work paid off and it motivates me to continue and improve.
Where do you want your career to take you?
I feel I’m fairly young so I still don't really know where I want my career to take me yet. For now, I am enjoying working as a light vehicle mechanic in an independent garage and I will continue to learn and hone my skills. Maybe in the future I will choose to specialise on a specific aspect of mechanics, or potentially try focussing on classic cars.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.
Meet Ewan Grigor from AM Philip Truck and Tech (Skillnet)
How did you get involved in the IMI Skills Competitions?
It was just through my apprenticeship. It was daunting but I like a challenge, I like getting to try new things and pushing myself.
It was a really insightful thing. I got to learn a lot of new things and I really enjoyed it.
The qualifiers at the Henry Ford Academy was actually only my second time down there because I trained up in Scotland at the Bosch Lagta College. You do multiple different small tasks, testing your abilities. One of them was to strip and check and figure out a fault in the gearbox. Another was multiple electrical body faults. You had to work your way through them and show what methodical diagnostic procedure you’d taken.
How surprised were you to take home gold?
To be honest I thought I’d messed it up completely. I thought maybe I’ve got second, maybe third. The day that it was revealed, I was actually sitting upstairs in the house while my dad was downstairs and there was a slight delay between us and they were a few seconds ahead downstairs. It got to third and I was like, “Oh, I’ve not got third.” It got to second and I was like, “Oh, I’ve not got second.” I switched off all hope and I was like, “I’ve obviously never made the cut.” Then I heard screaming from downstairs and I was like, “What’s that for?” All of a sudden it popped up on my screen and I was speechless. I just sat there and didn’t know what to do.
How did your career progress after the IMI Skills Competitions?
I ended up doing roadside assistance for Iveco. I moved to nightshift because I just wanted a change and to take on more responsibilities. But I felt like I’d started to push my limits and decided to move to People’s Ford Group. I’m still working with Ford as a Commercial Vehicle Mechanic. I’ll be finishing my Senior Tech soon and I’m going straight for my Master Tech next.
Want to know more about the IMI Skills Competition? Email the team to find out more.