Superb automotive talent heads into IMI 2025 Skills Competition

• 24 automotive rising stars set to compete in a showdown of skill and potential

Following National Qualifier events in May and June, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is delighted to announce the finalists in the IMI 2025 Skills Competitions. 

With a record-breaking 600+ nominations, 24 of the most talented students and apprentices, each put forward by their tutor or employer in one of four key specialisms, Body Repair, Refinishing, Light Vehicle Technology, and Heavy Vehicle Technology, have earned their place in the finals. They will now showcase their exceptional skills and compete to be recognised as the very best up-and-coming talent in their field.

“This year’s IMI Skills Competitions saw record levels of entries, with exceptionally high standards of scoring in the National Qualifiers”, said Sarah Whiteside Jones, Director of Membership Engagement and Public Affairs at the IMI. 

“With a clear mission to help the automotive sector address the significant skills gaps it faces, we are thrilled that employers, further education colleges and training centres across the UK took the time out of their busy schedules to nominate their talented and dedicated apprentices. The competitors who progressed through to the National Qualifiers are great ambassadors for the career opportunities that exist right across our dynamic sector.”

The finalists represent all four UK nations, highlighting the exceptional talent emerging across the sector. The competition standards were particularly impressive this year, with average scores in Light Vehicle the highest since 2020, and in Heavy Vehicle and Body Repair the highest since 2022.

The winners of each specialism will be crowned following the live finals at Cardiff and Vale College, taking place from 25th to 28th November 2025.

And the journey may not stop there. Some finalists could go on to represent the UK on the global stage at next year’s WorldSkills International, joining five 2024 IMI Skills Competitions alumni already named as Squad UK members. To be eligible, they must achieve the required score and be aged 22 or younger in the year of the international finals.