Over the course of three days and in front of 80,000 visitors, 24 automotive competitors competed across four work streams (auto body repair, auto heavy vehicle engineering, auto refinishing and auto tech) to win the title of best automotive apprentice in their field.
Each competitor had their skills pushed to the limits to determine their technical ability in front of the thousands of school and college students, and the general public who attended the nation’s largest skills and careers event.
The Skills Show held at the NEC Birmingham was divided into zones to allow visitors to focus on particular industry sectors including engineering and technology, hospitality and lifestyle, as well as media and IT.
With live competitions, demonstrations and interactive activities taking place across the show, this annual careers event guaranteed a fun and educational experience for all visitors.
Outstanding young talent
Davie Massie MIMI, skills competition manager at the IMI, said: “We have seen some outstanding young talent stretched to their limits over the duration of our national finals and each one can be proud of their performance.
“The four gold medallists showed they have the skills, knowledge and aptitude to cope with the challenges we set them under exceptional circumstances. Each one proved they are worthy champions and real ambassadors for our industry.”
Steve Nash, CEO at the IMI, said: “The apprentices competing at The Skills Show highlight the extraordinary talent that has been created with the support of employers and training providers, along with the passion and enthusiasm of young people themselves.
“With careers advice in schools and colleges being of variable quality, The Skills Show is a great opportunity for young people and their parents to see the opportunities available within the vocational arena.”
The full list of IMI Skill Auto 2016 medal winners are:
Skill Auto Body Repair Gold: Shawn Dyson; trained at: Chesterfield College; employer: Chartwell
Skill Auto HV Engineering Gold: Shaun Richards; trained: Scania (GB) Ltd; employer: Scania Heathrow
Skill Auto Refinishing Gold: Michael Massey; trained at: Chesterfield College; employer: Alton Cars Ltd
Skill Auto Technology Gold: Harry Garraway; trained at: VW Group Apprentice Programme; employer: Heritage VW Van Centre
For more information on IMI apprenticeships, follow the ‘more details’ link below.