Sponsored article by: Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
The IMI Skills Competitions 2025, backed by Milwaukee Tools, are now open for nominations. Designed by industry experts, the competitions celebrate the new talent in the UK automotive sector and showcase the learning that tutors and employers invest in their staff.
The competitions open doors and enhance future talent and skills. And automotive employers benefit on several levels as Daniel A’Hern, Bodyshop Manager, at Sinclair Group, which saw two of its apprentices win gold medals in 2024, confirmed. “By supporting our apprentices in the IMI Skills Competitions, we are giving them more confidence in their day-to-day work and this underpins our own high standards which, in turn gives our customers confidence that they’ve chosen the right provider.”
Other benefits for employers include:
Free training
Entry to the IMI Skills Competitions is free and could earn employers additional free training for their nominated employees, with the competition counting towards the 20% off the job training in an apprenticeship.
Nurturing skills
Nominated students get to test, learn, achieve and progress whilst improving their skills, including tenacity, problem-solving, time management, confidence, technical skills, communication, resilience and stress management.
As Richard Hutchins, Competitions Manager at the IMI adds, the IMI Skills Competitions are a win, win for employers and apprentices alike.
“At a time when the automotive sector is facing a significant skills gap, forward-thinking employers that nominate apprentices in the IMI Skills Competitions are demonstrating that they have a work environment that is nurturing and supportive. They are also sending a clear message to their customers that they are investing in future skills.”
“Open to anyone studying or completed a Level 3 apprenticeship within the last 12 months, there is clear evidence that the programme has a real impact on those taking part. 90% of previous entrants say their career progression improved after competing and 86% stated their personal and employability skills had improved. And as an organisation that is committed to diversity and inclusion, the IMI particularly encourages registrations from individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities.”
“With much of the participation online and only the latter stages requiring time out of work, the return for apprentices and their employers far outweighs the commitment required to enter.”
Don’t miss the 28th March deadline
Nominations can be made in four streams:
- Automotive Technology
- Automotive Body Repair
- Automotive Refinishing
- Heavy Vehicle Technology
Initial nominations must be made by 28th March 2025.
What’s involved?
The first round requires employers and centres to nominate entrants before 28th March 2025. Stage 2 sees the nominees complete an online quiz which must also be done by 28th March 2025.
The top scorers from the online quiz then gain a place in the third stage, the National Qualifiers, which will take place around the UK in May.
The top six competitors in each skill area will then be invited to take part in training days in preparation for the practical live finals in November – with travel bursaries available upon application through WorldSkills UK. Following the final some of the finalists, if they are age eligible, may have the opportunity to progress on to Team UK for the biannual WorldSkills International competition.
To find out more about the IMI Skills Competitions and nominate your apprentices visit: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/about-imi/imi-skills-competitions
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