As a finalist in the 2026 IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology competition, Cai impressed both judges and colleagues with his commitment to learning, proactive approach to development and willingness to embrace new challenges. We spoke with his employer, Terberg Dennis Eagle, to learn more about his apprenticeship journey and what makes him stand out as an emerging talent in the sector.
How would you describe your competitor and the progress they have made during their development journey?
I would describe Cai as self-motivated and engaged in his training. He takes the initiative to find the experience required to complete jobs and is always looking for opportunities to build his skills and knowledge through practical experience.
Cai had already been gaining experience before starting with us. He worked weekends at a local haulage company, Crynant Plant, where he was involved in servicing and maintaining lorries. His father approached us to ask whether we were taking on any apprentices, and we were. Since then, Cai has shown himself to be very focused and precise in his work.
To broaden his experience, we've involved him in different areas of the business, including a rotation through the fabrication shop. He was keen to take part and gain experience beyond his usual role. We also put him on a project to help restock the stores for a week, which gave him experience working with part numbers and helped him develop a better understanding of how different areas of the business operate. This has enabled him to gain a more holistic experience across the organisation.
What does it mean for your organisation to have a finalist in the competition?
It means a great deal to us to have a finalist in the competition. Cai is representing our sector, the refuse collection vehicle industry, which is often underrepresented. This is the first time we have had a finalist in the competition, so we are incredibly proud to have Cai representing the business and showcasing the skills, knowledge and high standards demonstrated by our engineers. It's a fantastic achievement for both Cai and the organisation.
How does your organisation support the development of apprentices and early-career talent?
We place a strong focus on the development and mentorship of apprentices within the dealership. One of the key benefits of our programme is the wide range of equipment and technologies that apprentices are exposed to and trained on.
Unlike some OEMs or dealers, our refuse collection vehicle apprentices not only work with the industry-standard technologies and diagnostic systems found in commercial vehicles but also gain experience with hydraulics and other body-building equipment. This provides them with a broader skill set and helps prepare them for a diverse range of engineering challenges throughout their careers.
What knowledge, skills or behaviours has this individual demonstrated that make them stand out?
Cai demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is very much a self-starter. He is keen to progress, takes ownership of his own development, and is always looking for new ideas and ways of working. He is determined in his approach and consistently shows a willingness to support and help others.
Cai also works well as part of a team, collaborating effectively with colleagues and contributing positively to the wider business.
These qualities, together with his attitude and commitment, mean he embodies many of our core values and make him stand out from his peers.
How has participating in the competition benefited the individual or your organisation?
For the organisation, participating in the competition helps raise the profile of the refuse collection vehicle sector and showcases the wide range of engineering skills that RCV apprentices develop. It provides an opportunity to highlight the breadth of knowledge required within the industry and demonstrate the high standards achieved by apprentices working in the sector.
For Cai, I think the competition has helped him recognise the strength of his own skill set and see how far he has progressed throughout his apprenticeship. It has provided an opportunity for him to benchmark his skills, reflect on his development, and gain a greater appreciation of both his capabilities and the growth he has achieved so far.
What skills do you believe will be most important for technicians working in the automotive sector over the next five years?
For technicians working in the automotive sector over the next five years, I believe one of the most important skills will be the ability to diversify their skill set and adapt to change. There is a significant amount of movement within the HGV sector, with technicians often moving between different sectors and manufacturers, so having the mindset and willingness to adapt will be essential.
Competitions like this can help to develop that adaptability by exposing individuals to different manufacturers, vehicles, technologies and working environments. This broader experience helps technicians build a more versatile skill set and prepares them for the changing demands of the industry.
Would you encourage other employers to support apprentices and enter skills competitions?
I've been involved with this competition for a number of years, and I've only ever seen positive outcomes from taking part. It helps to build self-esteem and confidence, supports retention, and gives apprentices an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a different environment. From my perspective, there really aren't any downsides.
I would encourage other employers to support their apprentices and get involved in skills competitions wherever possible. The experience benefits both the individual and the organisation, helping apprentices grow in confidence while showcasing the talent within the business.
We are really proud to have Cai representing Terberg Dennis Eagle and demonstrating the skills, knowledge and professionalism developed through his apprenticeship.
Find out more about the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology competition here.
