Volunteer Spotlight: John Taylor – Supporting Automotive Professionals

For more than four decades, John Taylor has built a career dedicated to developing people, sharing knowledge and championing the automotive industry. 

From his early days as a Saturday tyre fitter to becoming a respected technical trainer, business owner and IMI Member Association volunteer, John’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to supporting automotive professionals at every stage of their careers.

Today, John is the Senior Technical Trainer for Brakemaster Automotive Technical Services Ltd, a business he established two and a half years ago. Although semi-retired, he continues to deliver technical training and assessment while playing a key role in supporting the IMI Member Association (MA) in the West of Scotland.

A Career Built on Learning and Development

John's introduction to the automotive sector began at just 14 years old, working weekends fitting tyres and balancing wheels. After initially training as an engineer within the local textile industry, he returned to automotive as the fast-fit sector expanded across the UK.

Over the years, John worked across a variety of automotive environments, including fast-fit centres, car dealerships and the motorcycle sector. It was during this time that he discovered a passion for training others.

"Sharing my knowledge and skills with new and experienced technicians really brought home to me that knowledge not shared is wasted."

John Taylor, BA CAA CAT AAE FIMI LCGI

Alongside running his own successful workshop specialising in diagnostics, servicing and MOT repairs, John studied part-time to achieve an HND in Automotive Engineering.

His passion for skills development eventually led him into further education, where he spent 23 years working in FE colleges. During this time, he delivered technical training and later managed a broad range of programmes covering: Light Vehicle, Motorcycle, Vehicle Body Repair, Vehicle Refinishing, Apprenticeships, EV and Hybrid Technology, ADAS and MOT and commercial training programmes.

More recently, John spent over a year with Remit Training Scotland, developing and delivering EV, Hybrid and MOT training while also assessing apprentices across the industry.

Supporting the IMI Through Volunteering

John first became actively involved with the IMI while working at New College Lanarkshire.

Encouraged by colleagues to engage more closely with the organisation, he began supporting Member Association activities by hosting events, providing workshop facilities and helping to facilitate both technical and networking opportunities for members.

His involvement quickly expanded into judging skills competitions and supporting the IMI Skills and Competitions team.

"I was motivated to volunteer because the Member Associations were going through a period of change. There were fewer people getting involved and fewer events taking place. I wanted to help keep those opportunities available for members and students."

Over the years, John has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for automotive professionals to learn from one another, meet industry experts and build valuable connections.

Championing Skills Competitions

One of John's most significant contributions has been his long-standing involvement in automotive skills competitions.

He has supported competitions in Scotland since their inception, from school-based initiatives and the Knockhill Pit Stop Challenge through to IMI WorldSkills competitions hosted at venues including: Delphi Academy, Henry Ford Academy, Toyota Training Academy and Cardiff and Vale College.

Today, he continues to volunteer as a judge at both IMI Skills Competition national qualifiers and finals.

The Value of Member Associations

As Lead Volunteer for the IMI West of Scotland Member Association, John believes Member Associations remain one of the industry's most valuable resources.

"Without volunteers, the IMI Member Associations would not exist."

For John, Member Associations create opportunities for professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss industry developments and learn from one another's experiences.

They also provide an important networking platform for students and early-career professionals, helping them connect with employers and experienced technicians.

"It is important for the automotive industry to ensure that Member Associations continue. They provide a base for student members to meet technicians and employers and begin building their professional networks."

Recognition and Achievement

John's dedication to the IMI and the wider automotive sector has earned recognition throughout his career.

His achievements include:

• IMI Skillmiles Alba Award (2009)
• IMI Skillmiles Alba Award with Motherwell College (2010)
• Individual IMI Skillmiles Award (2012)
• IMI West of Scotland MA Award (2012)

Recent recognition for his dedication to the IMI West of Scotland Member Association

He has also shared in multiple awards recognising excellence in skills development and training delivery, including Centre of the Year achievements during his time in further education.

Being invited to receive these awards at the IMI Annual Dinner remains one of the highlights of his career.

Looking Ahead

Despite being semi-retired, John remains as passionate as ever about supporting the automotive community.

Whether delivering technical training, judging skills competitions or connecting people across the industry, he continues to demonstrate the impact that dedicated volunteers can have. 

Interested in supporting the automotive community? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us to find out more about volunteer opportunities.