The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the winners of its 2024 Skills Competition, with more than 700 nominations from across the UK and across many diverse groups.
2024 is said to also mark the first year two women have become medallists, both in Refinishing, with a woman winning the 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.
The winners are:
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 Williams – Cardiff and Vale College – Aston Martin
The finalists will also now be 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.”
