Volunteer Spotlight: John Taylor – Supporting Automotive Professionals
Share this Page
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 Network 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 Network in 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 IMI Member Network 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 IMI Member Network was 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 the IMI Member Network
As Lead Volunteer within Scotland, John believes the IMI Member Network remains one of the industry's most valuable resources.
"Without volunteers, the IMI Member Network would not exist."
For John, the IMI Member Network creates 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 the IMI Member Network continues to grow. It provides 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)
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.
We would like to thank John, for his continuous support and dedication to the IMI and our Member Network.
Could you support your local automotive community? We'd love to hear from you. Contact Zoe Sykes, Member Network and Volunteer Manager, to find out more about volunteer opportunities.