Best bodyshops and garages highlighted with IMI Skills winners

Some of the best technicians and repairers in the UK have been highlighted as part of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) 2024 Skills Competition.

With more than 700 nominations, it is the largest competition ever with representation from across the UK and across many diverse groups.

There are 24 winners in total and this year marks the first year that two women became medallists, both in Refinishing, with a woman winning that category for the first time.

Following a year-long application and assessment process, 24 winners and runners-up were chosen across four categories: Light Vehicle Technology, Body Repair, Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle. Two returning competitors from previous years, both from Sinclair Bodyshop in Swansea, won Gold.

2024 Skills Competition winners:

Light Vehicle Technology

• Gold: Karl Wilson – Skillnet – SG Petch
• Silver: Matthew Ford – Coleg Gwent – Monmouth MOT Centre Ltd
• Bronze: Adam Culverhouse – BMW Group Academy – Sytner BMW Leicester  

Heavy Vehicle Technology

• Gold: Mihale Zeke – Cardiff and Vale College – Watts Truck and Van Cardiff
• Silver: Toby Hull – Scania – TruckEast Norwich
• Bronze: Callum Stewart – Edinburgh College – Tayside Contracts  

Body Repair

• Gold: Jordan Lingham – NPTC – Sinclair Bodyshop
• Silver: Arran Cooper – Thatcham – Steer
• Bronze: Owen Thomas – Cardiff and Vale College – BP Rolls 

Refinishing

• Gold: Victoria Steele – NPTC – Sinclair Bodyshop
• Silver: Ben Robertson – Southern Regional College – G&H Auto Repairs
• Bronze: Teagan Whiteman – Coleg Gwent – Fix Auto Newport
• Highly commended: Ben Willaims – Cardiff and Vale College – Aston Martin

The finalists are also now eligible to enter EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark and the biennial World Skills International competition to be held in Shanghai in 2026.

Azlina Bulmer, IMI managing director, said: "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 IMI Skills Competition sponsors and industry partners include FMG Repair services, Morelli, Glasurit, 3M, Electude, Cardiff and Vale College, City of Bristol College, Hinckley’s, Professional Diagnostics and Toyota UK. 

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 seen 90% of previous entrants saying their career progression improved after competing, and 86% stating their personal and employability skills had improved.

Special thanks go to the team of volunteer judges: Bridgewater and Taunton College, CAVC, Colleg Gwent, Redde Northgate, Pro Align, Evolution Training, Electude, Grimsby Institute, Indasa, 3M, Coleg Llandrillo, FMG RS, Zigup, LKQ, NPTC Group, Remit Training, MAN UK, Motus Commercials, Adams Morley, DAF, GTG, Bosch UK & Car-O-Liner.