The Motor Industry Institute (IMI) is calling on dealers and Further Education (FE) colleges to nominate their students and apprentices for this year’s IMI Skills Competition.
Entry is free and can provide employers and FE colleges with additional free training for nominated employees with a competition accounting for a 20% discount on on-the-job training in apprenticeships.
The number of entries was by far strongest in Wales, followed by East of England, North West and North East.
The Light Vehicle Automotive Technology category received the most nominations across all regions, while the Heavy Vehicle Automotive Technology category received the fewest nominations.
This, said IMI< underscoring the fact that the UK lack of trained Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) technicians is another challenge for the sector.
Joanna Hollingdale, IMI’s careers and student membership manager, said: “It’s very important for us to celebrate the talent that exists in our sector – and that may ultimately be featured in the World Skills Competition later this year.
“Therefore, we urge companies and colleges to nominate their best trainees and interns as soon as possible. Entry is free, and we hope coaches will take a look at their current cohort of students and apprentices and put their best talent forward for national and international recognition.
“Employers and FE colleges only need to fill out a nomination form on the IMI website with the approval of their nominees. There are four streams into which nominations can be entered:
- Light Vehicle Automotive Technology
- Heavy Vehicle Automotive Technology
- Automotive Body Repair
- Automotive Refinishing
The nomination deadline is March 24 and the initial online quiz must be completed by March 31, 2023.
Once nominations are complete, candidates will be asked to complete a 30-minute multiple-choice quiz.
The highest scorers will be invited to take an online knowledge test for a place in the National Qualifiers. This stage of the competition can be completed anywhere – no in-person presence or travel required. The one-day practical National Qualifiers are being held between 17 May and 23 June 2023.
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 scholarships available upon application through WorldSkills UK. Following the final some finalists, if they meet the age requirement, may have the opportunity to advance to Team England for the biannual WorldSkills International competition.
Joanna Hollingdale added: “The IMI Skills Competition is a great opportunity to inspire students and interns to excel in Light Vehicle Automotive Technology, Heavy Vehicle Automotive Technology, Automotive Body Repair, and Automotive Refinishing.”
