IMI Skills Competition Heavy Vehicle Technology National Final at DAF Academy

The UK's most talented heavy vehicle apprentices gather at the DAF Apprentice Academy for the IMI Skills Competition Heavy Vehicle Technology National Final, where finalists put their knowledge, technical ability, and problem-solving skills to the test in a series of challenging assessments.

Throughout the day, competitors will complete tasks covering vehicle inspection, mechanical repair, chassis and transmission diagnosis, engine fault diagnosis, and electrical fault finding, demonstrating both their technical expertise and ability to perform under pressure.

Having secured their place through the National Qualifiers earlier this year, competitors from across the country have come together for one final opportunity to demonstrate the skills that set them apart from their peers.

Showcasing the Best of Emerging Talent

The National Final highlights the exceptional calibre of talent currently progressing through heavy vehicle apprenticeship programmes across the UK.

Competing at this level requires determination, dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning, with each finalist demonstrating the skills and professionalism needed to succeed in the industry.

The competition also provides participants with a valuable opportunity to benchmark themselves against some of the country's most talented apprentices, while gaining experience that will support their future careers.

"For the organisation, participating in the competition helps raise the profile of the industry sector and showcases the wider range of engineering skills that RCV apprentices possess. For Cai, I think it has given him a greater appreciation of his well-established skill set, allowing him to benchmark his abilities and recognise the progress he has made throughout his apprenticeship, as well as his personal and professional growth."

Pete Dexter, Technical Training Centre Manager, Dennis Eagle UK

Supporting the Future of the Heavy Vehicle Sector

The IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition continues to play an important role in celebrating excellence and raising the profile of careers within the automotive sector.

Daniel Bennet, Lead Judge and Head of Curriculum and Quality Assurance at GTG Training commented:

"Having been involved in supporting the continuation of this competition after it left the WorldSkills UK portfolio, it’s rewarding to see it thriving and continuing to provide opportunities for the next generation of technicians. Working alongside our judging team to develop the tasks and deliver the competition has given us a unique insight into the calibre of talent coming through the industry. The standard on display today has been exceptional, and it gives me great confidence for the future of the HGV sector."

By bringing together apprentices, employers, training providers, and industry experts, the competition showcases the opportunities available within heavy vehicle technology while helping to inspire the next generation of technicians.

This year's final also demonstrates the strong commitment across the sector to developing future talent and equipping apprentices with the skills needed to support an evolving industry.

Andy Webb, Scania Apprenticeship Programme Manager, said:

"Competitions like the IMI Skills Competition are a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate their skills, but also a wider opportunity for the industry to show how advanced we are and attract new talent in the future."

Exhibitors and Industry Support

Alongside the competition, finalists and attendees have the opportunity to engage with a range of industry exhibitors and partners who are helping to shape the future of automotive skills and training.

This year, Milwaukee Tool and Tenstar Simulation are exhibiting at the event, showcasing the latest innovations in professional tooling and immersive training technology. Their presence provides valuable insight into the tools, equipment and technologies that are transforming the modern workshop and helping prepare the next generation of technicians for successful careers in the sector.

Competitors will also hear from Jamie-Lea Hawley, who joins the National Final Medal Ceremony as guest speaker, sharing her experiences and insights on career development, resilience and opportunities within the automotive industry.

The event also welcomes Ben, the automotive industry's dedicated charity, who are raising awareness of the health and wellbeing support available to automotive professionals and apprentices throughout their careers.

Announcing the Winners

After an incredible display of technical skill, professionalism and determination, we're delighted to announce the winners of this year's Heavy Vehicle Technology Competition Finals:

First Place	Second Place	Third Place
Monty Gambrell	Jayden Fossett	Theo Lanham

Thank You

The IMI would like to thank DAF Apprentice Academy for hosting the National Final, as well as the employers, training providers, judges, and volunteers whose support helps make the event possible.

Congratulations to all finalists for reaching this stage of the competition and for representing the very best of emerging talent within the heavy vehicle sector.

Find out more about the IMI Skills Competitions here.