Searching for the top new talent in the sector
National qualifiers have now been announced!
IMI Skills Competitions 2024
The IMI Skills Competitions set out to identify the most talented young apprentices working in the automotive sector. Run annually, they are designed to raise standards, esteem and levels of expertise in technical skills across four streams of competition, automotive technology, automotive body repair, automotive refinishing and heavy vehicle technology.
IMI Skills Competitions celebrate the new talent in the UK Automotive sector and showcase learning that tutors and employers’ input into their staff. The competition opens doors and enhances future talent and skills with benefits for all involved.
The IMI Skills Competitions 2024 National Qualifiers have been announced...
We are delighted to announce this year national qualifiers for the IMI Skills Competitions. Richard Hutchins, IMI Skills Competition Manager, says:
"We are really excited to see new and past competitors demonstrate and improve their talents on the world skills stage at the IMI qualifying events.
"I would like to congratulate all of the qualifiers and wish everyone the best of luck and remember to enjoy the competition. As well as the opportunity to further their skills and show the amazing talent they have, it is an opportunity to network with competitors, other people in the industry and make new friends!"
To see this year's national qualifiers and find out more about the next stages, select the competition category below.
Body Repair Refinishing Heavy Vehicle Technology Light Vehicle Technology
Important dates to note
Nominations and online quiz | Finalists announced |
| 11th July | |
National Qualifiers | Master classes |
| 15-17th May - Body Repair and Finishing at Eyebox, Coventry | November and October |
| 22-24th May - Heavy Vehicle Technology at Scania, Loughborough | Finals |
| 3-7th June - Light Vehicle Technology at Henry Ford Academy, Daventry | 18 - 22nd November, Greater Manchester |
Benefits for Students
Test, learn, achieve and progress whilst improving your skills, including Tenacity, Problem-solving, Time management, Confidence, Technical skills, Communication, Resilience and Stress management.
Demonstrate your talent to the automotive sector in a fun, relaxed and inclusive environment.
"The competition has been amazing and I’m looking forward to getting my name out there.” - Victoria Steele, NPTC Pontardawe – Sinclair, 2023 IMI Skills Competition Refinishing Silver Medallist
Benefits for Employers
Promote your business as one that employs top talent within the automotive sector whilst gaining additional free training for your employees throughout the competition.
"To do this, it's about giving them confidence and building their confidence because they're not always going to have someone beside them." - James Avison, Sparshatt Academy Trainer
Benefits for Educators
Showcase your learners, your teaching programme and your Centre to the automotive sector whilst inspiring and setting high aspirations for your learners to strive for.
Help promote the dynamism of the automotive sector and the exciting career opportunities it presents to young people.
"If you are an apprentice who has just finished and are struggling to find your feet in this industry; this is a confidence booster. This will put you high in the heavens, thinking I know I can do these things and go into any other body shop and be just as good as anyone else." - Alec Macleod, 2023 IMI Skills Competitions Body Repair Bronze Medallist
Benefits for Sponsors
Align your business with supporting the sector's future by ensuring the next generation of talent receive the world-class training this competition provides.
"The competitors go to specialist training centres and have one-on-one training with industry experts. It benefited me massively." - Daryl Head, Group Talent Facilitator at Redde Northgate, Team UK 2017 Silver medallist at World Skills in Automotive Refinishing and IMI Skills Competitions Judge
Mike Massey, Lead Judge: Refinishing
Hear from Mike Massey, IMI Skills Competition Refinishing Lead Judge and previous Gold Medallist winner, on what the competition has meant for him.
Sponsorship enquiries
There are so many fantastic opportunities for you and your business to be involved with the IMI Skill Competitions, simply click on the button below to get in touch with our team and discover how you could be involved with this world-class competition.
Digital Packs
Download the digital pack in your area with helpful support and information on the competencies required, and more details of the types of tasks you will be asked to complete at all levels.
IMI Light Vehicle Automotive Technology Toolkit
Pre-competition test: Light Vehicle
IMI Body Repair Toolkit
Pre-competition activity: Body Repair
IMI Heavy Vehicle Automotive Technology Toolkit
Pre-competition test: Heavy Vehicle
IMI Heavy Vehicle Toolkit
Pre-competition activity: Heavy Vehicle
IMI Automotive Body Repair Toolkit
Pre-competition test: Body Repair
IMI Auto Tech Toolkit
Pre-competition activity: Auto Tech
IMI Automotive Refinishing Toolkit
Pre-competition test: Refinishing
Pre-Competition Refinishing Activity Toolkit
Pre-competition activity: Refinishing
WorldSkills
Those who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK. Held biannually, WorldSkills is the global hub for skills excellence and development who use the knowledge gained from participation and engagement to drive the greatest skills education from across the world into UK practice.
Sponsor of Body Repair 2024
Supporters of IMI Skills Competitions 2024
