Each year the IMI awards a bursary to one deserving young talent. We learn about last year’s winner, a young woman whose determination to succeed has certainly proved she’s made of mettle.
The Institute of the Motor Industry is all about fostering talent within the automotive sector and championing talents from all walks of life as they embark on their professional journeys. No one understands the vital role new recruits play in this industry better than the IMI’s Emma Carrigy. As head of research, careers and inclusion at the IMI, she explains that attracting new talent is critical to supporting the sector as it faces a continuing and significant skills gap.
“Recognising that personal or financial hurdles can sometimes impede progress, each year the IMI awards a bursary to give one individual a lift-up on their career path. Announced at the IMI Annual Awards dinner each March, the bursary provides vital support for access to learning opportunities, tools and resources. And, having been awarded to worthy individuals for many years now, the IMI Bursary has empowered many passionate individuals to flourish in their chosen automotive fields.”
In 2024, the IMI Bursary was awarded to Victoria Steele, a truly exceptional automotive refinisher at Sinclair Group. Victoria’s path into the automotive world wasn’t without its bumps, yet her unwavering drive and ambition have positioned her for remarkable success, and it was that determination that caught the attention of the bursary committee.
The road to success
Reflecting on her early experiences, Victoria shared: “I left school and at first studied to be a mechanic at college. After a while I saw a bit about the paint course and wanted to try that, so I switched over. When I started at my first workshop as an apprentice it didn’t work out so well, but after hearing about the opportunity at Sinclair’s I found a place where I was able to learn and improve while at the same time get support if needed.”
For Victoria, the most rewarding aspect of her role is the “sense of achievement with the finished product, seeing a vehicle come into the workshop and go through the repair stages, then being able to paint it to complete the process.”
A helping hand
For Victoria, winning the IMI Bursary in 2024 has not only given her the finances to invest in her own top-of-the line tools; it has also given her a significant uplift in her career potential. “Winning the IMI Bursary felt unreal to me”, she explained. “Having the support from the IMI to help me further my career, better my career, it was such a nice feeling. And the bursary has enabled me to purchase brand-new equipment, which I can look after myself. It’s high-end, new equipment, the best available on the market, so this will help me a lot.”
Winning the IMI Bursary was just the start for Victoria. Her dedication and skill have also been recognised through her achievements in the IMI Skills Competitions. In 2023, she secured a Silver medal in the Refinishing category. In 2024, no doubt buoyed by her earlier success, she went one step further and clinched the Gold medal. The judges were impressed not only by her practical expertise but also by her strong communication skills, further underlining why she was such a deserving recipient of the bursary.
Reflecting on the IMI’s ongoing support, Victoria added: “The IMI has shaped my career path quite a lot actually. They’ve been supportive the whole way, throughout the skills competitions and throughout my college course. They want the best for everyone and they do what they can to help – they’re very supportive people.”
Making her mark
Victoria also holds the distinction of being the first female paint technician in her company’s history with her manager confirming she brings a fresh perspective and diversity to the workshop. Importantly, this illustrates the positive evolution occurring within the industry and Victoria has valuable advice for women and apprentices considering a career in the sector. “Just don’t overthink it. If you believe you’ll enjoy the role, go for it. When you’re learning, approach each day as it comes and treat it like any other.”
Empowering the next generation
The IMI is committed to ensuring that the next generation of automotive professionals is wellequipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. It firmly believes that a strong community network can fuel passion for the automotive sector, driving individuals towards successful career progression. And the annual bursary plays a crucial role in this mission, supporting individuals at the start of their careers, providing access to essential equipment as well as learning resources such as additional courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Victoria’s career is already on an upward trajectory, in part thanks to the support of the IMI Bursary. And hers isn’t the only career that’s getting a valuable lift-up. At the 2025 IMI Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony, two more bursaries were awarded.
Teagan Whiteman of Fix Auto, a standout performer in the 2024 IMI Skills Competitions in Refinishing received one bursary. She has also been shortlisted to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026. The second bursary was awarded to Matthew Ford, who demonstrated remarkable resilience by winning a silver medal in Light Vehicle Technology category of the 2024 IMI Skills Competitions, despite facing personal tragedy just days before the competition. For both Teagan and Matthew, the IMI Bursary is providing valuable support to take their careers to the next level.
The journeys of Victoria Steele, Teagan Whiteman and Matthew Ford stand as powerful testaments to the impact of the IMI Bursary in empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential within the dynamic automotive industry. The IMI’s ongoing commitment ensures that passion and dedication are nurtured, paving the way for a bright future.
