IMI Skills Competitions back Green Careers Week
The Institute of the Motor Industry is marking Green Careers Week by highlighting how its skills competitions encourage more sustainable practices.
The finals of IMI Skills Competitions will see 18 of the UK’s most talented automotive apprentices compete across three disciplines – Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Technology – at Cardiff & Vale College’s Automotive Training Centre from 18-20 November.
While recognising the most talented apprentices in the, the competitions also give competitors an understanding of how sustainable practices can improve workshop performance, reduce waste and support the industry’s environmental goals.
As part of Green Careers Week, the IMI has now highlighted the areas its competitions promote working practices and methods that support more environmental workings.
Electrification
As part of this year’s competition programme, all Light Vehicle finalists will receive an IMI Level 3 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle qualification. By investing in EV training and practical experience, the competition is helping develop the skilled workforce needed to support a cleaner, more sustainable automotive future.
Green products
The competition continues to embrace modern refinishing technologies that support more sustainable workshop practices. The IMI is also incorporating UV primers and fast air-drying clearcoats, helping to reduce the amount of energy required during the repair process.
Repair over replace
Whether working on damaged panels or plastic bumper repairs, competitors are encouraged to restore components rather than automatically replacing them. This helps reduce waste, minimise the demand for new parts, and avoid the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and transporting replacements.
Green skills
Ahead of the finals, competitors took part in expert-led pre-final training events addressing lean workshop processes, modern repair methods and lower-energy techniques that support sustainable vehicle repair.
Paintless dent repair
This year, finalists will have the opportunity to train on Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) and Glue Pull Repair (GPR) techniques. These methods allow dents to be repaired without requiring body filler, paint, solvents, and energy-intensive spraybooth baking.
Materials
At the end of the National Finals, unused paints, abrasives, consumables and practice materials will be donated to further education colleges wherever possible.
Efficiency
Competitors this year will be assessed on effective material management and workshop efficiency, with marks awarded for activities such as: accurate paint mixing to minimise waste; correct waste segregation; responsible disposal of materials; reducing overspray and unnecessary product use; and maintaining clean and efficient working practices.
