Next generation of talent in the spotlight as IMI Skills Competitions finalists announced
18 top-scorers from across the UK earn their place in the finals, and secure exclusive pre-competition training
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the finalists for the IMI Skills Competitions 2026 headline sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. Following rigorous National Qualifier events, 18 of the UK’s most talented automotive apprentices have earned their place in the finals, competing across three disciplines: Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Technology, sponsored by WD-40.
The finalists represent employers, colleges and training providers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and are a testament to the exceptional depth of talent emerging across the sector. They will go head-to-head at Cardiff & Vale College’s Automotive Training Centre 18-20th November 2026, where the winner in each discipline will be crowned.
Before the competition begins, all finalists will take part in exclusive Pre-Final Training Sessions designed to ensure they are working with the very latest automotive technology. These include hands-on ADAS calibration training using Car-O-Liner’s latest Tru Point system and IMI EV qualification training for finalists in Automotive Technology. Finalists in Automotive Refinishing will receive training from Glasurit on the 100 Line paint system, while finalists in Automotive Body Repair will benefit from premium welding and bodywork equipment and training provided by Car-O-Liner.
“The calibre of candidates coming through the IMI Skills Competitions each year is a genuine source of pride for our sector,” said Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competitions Manager. “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