World-class Apprentices Compete for Gold

Three days of grueling competitions has seen 24 automotive apprentices from across the UK battle it out to be crowned the winner of the IMI Skill Auto 2016 competition.  

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.

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 medalists 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

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Full list of IMI Skill Auto 2016 finalists:

Skill Auto Body Repair

• Hayden Forrester; trained at Gateshead College; employer: Excel Body Repairs

• Harry Devine; trained at Chesterfield College; employer: Body Motor Works

• Justin Mahon; trained at: Southern Regional College; employer: Kevin Connolly Car Sales

• Lewis Owers; trained at: Thatchams; employer: Nationwide Gladwins

• Shawn Dyson; trained at: Chesterfield College; employer: Chartwell

• Michael Sanlon; trained at: Transport Services; employer: Trust Ford

Skill Auto HV Engineering

• Jack Burt; trained at Volvo/Stephenson College; employer: Volvo Trucks (Broxburn)

• Dominic Scott; trained at Volvo/ Stephenson College; employer: Volvo Trucks (Enfield)

• Dean Carter-Pilgrim; trained at MAN/S&B Auto Academy; employer: Cordwallis Heathrow

• Shaun Richards; trained: Scania (GB) Ltd; employer: Scania Heathrow

• Taylor Yuill; employer: Scania (GB) Ltd; employer: Scania (Grangemouth)

• Shaun Cousins; employer: DAF Trucks, City of Bristol College; employer: Ford and Slater Leicester

Skill Auto Refinishing

• Christopher Jones; trained at Cardiff and Vale College; employer: Saintclairs Group

• Theodoros Tsouknidas; trained at Cardiff and Vale College; employer: Nationwide Crash Repair Centre

• Tom Harris; trained at: Davies Motor Company; employer: N/A

• Michael Massey; trained at: Chesterfield College; employer: Alton Cars Ltd

• Kirsty Ashley; trained at: Nova Training; employer: Concept Refinishers Ltd

• Daniel Appleby; trained at: Trained 2000 Limited; employer: JD Macadam & Sons

Skill Auto Technology

• Walter McElroy; trained at: South West College; employer: Western Cars

• Eoin McCloskey; trained at: Northwest Regional College; employer: Desmond Motors

• Gareth Murphy; trained at: South West College; employer: Carmanic

• Harry Garraway; trained at: VW Group Apprentice Programme; employer: Heritage VW Van Centre

• Brett Gibson; trained at: Jaguar Land Rover Academy; employer: Hatfield Land Rover

• Ryan Kane; trained at: South West College; employer: Connellys Volkswagen