Nominations open for 2026 IMI Skills Competitions
The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced that nominations for the 2026 IMI Skills Competitions are now open until 27 March.
The IMI Skills Competition is designed to elevate emerging talent and raise professional standards across the sector, providing a national platform for learners, employers and training providers to demonstrate their skills.
Nominations can be made across three disciplines: Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle), Automotive Repair and Automotive Refinishing.
Reflecting the evolving automotive aftermarket landscape, the IMI is also introducing real-world tasks on electric vehicles and ADAS.
The competition is open to all learners, whether studying an automotive qualification or completing an apprenticeship within the last 12 months.
Qualification process
Competitors will complete an online test to demonstrate their technical knowledge in the first round, with top scorers earning a place at the National Qualifiers taking place in May at the Eyebox Training and Conference Centre in Coventry and the Delphi Academy in Leamington Spa.
The top six in each discipline will then be invited to attend an IMI training day in the run-up to live finals in November in Cardiff, with age-eligible winners having the opportunity to progress with Team UK to the biannual WorldSkills International competition to be held in Japan in 2028.
Automotive technology
Overseeing the competitions for the first time is Michael Massey, the IMI’s new skills competitions manager.
He said: “As automotive technology evolves, the training needs of technicians are shifting significantly. We have, therefore, elevated some of the skills tasks for this year’s competitions, working closely with employers and technical training providers to identify common skills gaps.
“By introducing modern, impactful tasks using the latest diagnostic equipment, we are raising learners’ skills sets to match the day-to-day demands of vehicles coming into their workshops. Competitors will, therefore, gain invaluable knowledge, while their employers benefit from an enhanced workforce.”
Martin Bryers, head of transport at headline sponsor Milwaukee Tools, added:
“The IMI Skills Competition showcases the emerging talent shaping the future of our sector. It strengthens workforce capability and highlights automotive as a highly skilled, future-focused profession. We are proud to support a competition that accelerates development while delivering tangible value to employers.”
