IMI Skills Competitions finalists announced
The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced the finalists for the IMI Skills Competitions 2026.
Following rigorous National Qualifier events, 18 of the UK’s most talented automotive apprentices competed across three disciplines – Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Technology – to earn their place in the finals,
Representing employers, colleges and training providers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the finalists will now go head-to-head at Cardiff & Vale College’s Automotive Training Centre from 18-20 November.
Michael Massey, IMI skills competitions manager, said: “The calibre of candidates coming through the IMI Skills Competitions each year is a genuine source of pride for our sector.
“These finalists have already demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment to get this far. The fact that they will leave the finals with additional training underlines that these competitions don’t just recognise talent, but develop it.
“The automotive industry needs skilled, future-ready technicians, and these young people are exactly that.”
Refinishing Finalists
- Aaron Saxton — FMG Repair Services,
- George Briggs — Steer Automotive Group
- Harvey Willoughby — RT Auto Bodyshop, Peterborough Skills Academy
- Leah Sargent — Sytner BMW Cardiff
- Mason Clarke — BCA Automotive, Doncaster Rotherham & District GTA
- Tayla Bennison — Drive Vauxhall Redcar
Body Repair Finalists
- AJ Bartholomew — Queens Classics, Coleg Llandrillo — Rhyl Site (Grwp Llandrillo Menai)
- Craig Wallace — L&I Eaton, Edinburgh College
- Dylan Morgan — Fordthorne Cardiff, Cardiff & Vale College
- Jamie Smith — Fordthorne Cardiff, Cardiff & Vale College
- Ryan Davies — Nigel Whann ARC, Riverpark NI
- Tiernan O’Rielly — Porters Bodyshop, Riverpark NI
Automotive Technology
- Izzie Moreland — Hendy Mazda, Calex UK Ltd
- Jake Knight — Howard’s Motor Group, Skillnet Ltd
- Julia Zajączkowska — Cartime Motor Company, Hopwood Hall — Middleton Campus (Hopwood Hall College & University Centre)
- Kamran Ibrahim-Holland — Stoneacre Academy
- Mitchell Ganniclift — Johnson’s Skoda, Inspiro Learning Ltd
- Reece Bartlett — NK Motors, Skillnet Ltd
