The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed Michael Massey as the new IMI Skills Competitions Manager.
Massey, 35, who today (10 December) ends his tenure with Morelli Group where he was brand development manager for the Eyebox Training and Conference Centre, will have overall responsibility for the IMI’s annual apprentice technician competitions and will be working closely with WorldSkills UK and WorldSkills International.
Michael Massey joins IMI
While the appointment is a natural fit for the respected painter-turned-industry-ambassador, for Massey it is tinged with sadness because he will be replacing his close friend and mentor Richard Hutchins, who passed away in July.
Massey said: “My instinctive reaction when this happened was to call Rich and tell him I’d got the job, and I still have that feeling today. This opportunity came up much sooner than anybody could have imagined or wanted, but the IMI competitions are close to my heart, they are something I am passionate about.
“Next year I will have been involved for 10 years, first as a competitor, then as a skills champion, then a judge, then lead judge. In fact, as Rich progressed in his roles, I followed closely behind. His shoes are very big shoes to fill, and I will do everything to continue the legacy in my own way and keep the competitions the proud spectacle they have become.
“Training and education have been at the centre of pretty much everything I’ve done over the past 10 years. No matter who I’ve worked for, and they have all been great companies, the one constant for me has been my involvement in the IMI and WorldSkills competitions” he said.
Emma Carrigy, head of research, careers and inclusion at the IMI, said:
“The Skills Competitions are invaluable in the careers of those who take part, as well as all of those who are inspired by finalists and winners. Such an important programme needed the right person behind the wheel, and Mike’s unique first-hand experience as a nominee, finalist and winner as well as being on the judging panel, made him a standout candidate to take the competitions forward. We look forward to seeing Mike continue to future-proof the competitions, encourage continued diversity and celebrate the success and the skill of all those who take part.”
Extensive experience
In addition to having been on the tools at bodyshops in Derbyshire and winning gold at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2016, Massey has held technical roles at 3M, FMG Repair Services, and Morelli. His extensive and varied experience will be a key asset in leading the IMI Skills Competitions – which include Automotive Refinishing and Body Repair, as well as Light and Heavy Vehicle Technology.
Massey said: “I am very excited and proud to be joining the IMI in this important role at this moment. My first couple of months will not be about making any drastic changes around the set-up and the style of the competitions, because I truly think we do a very good job in bringing the elite skillsets out of the competing apprentices. But moving forward, I would like to align the competitions more with IMI accreditations, for the benefit of the employers, and also work on some of the softer skills of the competitors in addition to their technical skills.”
Michael Massey will start his new role tomorrow (11 December).
