The Institute of the Motor Industry has named the winners of its 2024 IMI Skills Competition, which was part of the WorldSkills UK National Finals that saw more than 400 of the brightest apprentices competing for honours at Bolton College and elsewhere in a variety of disciplines, including Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing, Light Vehicle Technology, and Heavy Vehicle Technology.
With more than 700 nominations, it is the largest competition ever with representation from around the UK and across many diverse groups. 2024 marks the first year that two women became medallists, both in Automotive Refinishing, with a woman winning that category for the first time (see table below).
IMI Skills 2024
Following a year-long application and assessment process, 24 winners and runners-up were chosen across the four categories. Two returning competitors from previous years, both from Sinclair Bodyshop in Swansea, won Gold.
Finalists may be selected to join the WorldSkills UK’s international training and development programme and then have the opportunity to join Squad UK and, subsequently, Team UK. Eligible team members could be selected to compete in the EuroSkills finals in Herning, Denmark next September, and then on the biggest stage of all at WorldSkills Shanghai in September 2026.
The IMI Skills nationals were a close competition in all categories, but particularly close in Automotive Refinishing. Fix Auto Newport’s Teagan Whiteman (pictured top), who claimed Bronze in the paint discipline, said:
“It was an intense two days and I really did give it my best. I was pleased with my overall performance, but I really didn’t think for a moment I’d medal.
“When my name was called out, I just couldn’t believe it. I am delighted with the result but I now just have to wait to see if I’ve done enough to be selected for the ‘Long Squad’. I can’t thank those who have helped me along the way enough.”
Skills development
Azlina Bulmer, IMI managing director, added: “The scores this year were phenomenal, with stiff competition to get through to the final. Huge congratulations go to the winners who are shining examples of the talent that is emerging in the sector. It is vital that we continue to empower individuals by recognising their skills and showcasing their abilities to demonstrate the rewarding career opportunities the automotive sector has to offer.”
The Skills Competition development programmes are designed by industry experts. The programmes enhance the practical skills and knowledge taught on training courses by assessing an individual’s employability attributes against set criteria in a competitive timed environment. The programme has a real impact on those taking part, with 90% of previous entrants saying their career progression improved after competing, and 86% stating their personal and employability skills had improved.
Bulmer said that special thanks must go to the team of volunteer judges: Bridgewater and Taunton College, CAVC, Coleg Gwent, Redde Northgate, Pro Align, Evolution Training, Electude, Grimsby Institute, Indasa, 3M, Coleg Llandrillo, FMG Repair Services/Zigup, LKQ, NPTC Group, Remit Training, MAN UK, Motus Commercials, Adams Morley, DAF, GTG, Bosch UK and Car-O-Liner.
The IMI Skills Competition sponsors and industry partners include FMG Repair Services, Morelli Group, Glasurit, 3M, Electude, Cardiff and Vale College, City of Bristol College, Hinckley’s, Professional Diagnostics, and Toyota UK.
To find out more about the competition visit the IMI Skills Competitions web page. WorldSkills UK National Competitions 2025 will open for entry on 3 March 2025.
The 2024 winners
| AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR | |||
| Position | Name | College | Employer |
| GOLD: | Jordan Lingham | NPTC | Sinclair Group |
| SILVER: | Aaran Cooper | Steer Automotive Group | Thatcham |
| BRONZE: | Owen Thomas | Cardiff and Vale | BP Rolls Newport |
| AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING | |||
| GOLD: | Victoria Steele | NPTC | Sinclair Bodyshop |
| SILVER: | Ben Robertson | Southern Regional College | G&H Body Repair |
| BRONZE: | Teagan Whiteman | Coleg Gwent | Fix Auto Newport |
| HIGHLY COMMENDED: | Ben Williams | Cardiff and Vale | Aston Martin |
| AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY | |||
| GOLD: | Karl Wilson | Skillnet | SG Petch Kia Darlington |
| SILVER: | Matthew Ford | Coleg Gwent | Monmouth MOT Centre |
| BRONZE: | Adam Culverhouse | Inspiro Learning | Sytner BMW Leicester |
| HEAVY VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY | |||
| GOLD: | Mihale Zeke | Cardiff and Vale | Watts Truck and Van |
| SILVER: | Toby Hull | TruckEast Scania | TruckEast Norwich |
| BRONZE: | Callum Stewart | Edinburgh College | Tayside Contracts |
Meanwhile, Car-O-Liner sent special congratulations to the WorldSkills Automotive Body Repair Gold medal winner Jordan Lingham, Silver finalist Aaron Cooper and Bronze finalist Owen Thomas. “This is a huge achievement for you all, proving that hard work and dedication pay off,” said Stuart Alexander, Car-O-Liner UK managing director.
