Nominations have opened for the 2026 IMI Skills Competitions, with new electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) tasks added for this year’s intake.
Entries will close on March 27, 2026, with learners able to compete across automotive technology, automotive repair and automotive refinishing.
The annual competition is designed to benchmark technical capability and support workforce development across the motor sector.
The competition is open to learners studying an automotive qualification or those who have completed an apprenticeship within the past 12 months.
Participants at any level can enter, with many returning at higher stages to build on previous experience.
Training needs for techs are shifting
Michael Massey, the IMI’s new skills competitions manager, is overseeing the programme for the first time.
A certified automotive engineer and former Gold Automotive Refinishing winner, Massey has been part of the judging panel since 2019.
He said: “As automotive technology evolves, the training needs of technicians are shifting significantly.
“We have, therefore, elevated some of the skills tasks for this year’s competitions, working closely with employers and technical training providers to identify common skills gaps.
“The IMI Skills Competitions are designed to raise competitors’ esteem, skills levels and expertise.
“By introducing modern, impactful tasks using the latest diagnostic equipment, we are raising learners’ skills sets to match the day-to-day demands of vehicles coming into their workshops.
“Competitors will, therefore, gain invaluable knowledge, while their employers benefit from an enhanced workforce.”
The competition cycle begins with an online technical test following employer or centre registration.
Top scorers will progress to National Qualifiers in May, held at the Eyebox Training and Conference Centre in Coventry and the Delphi Academy in Leamington Spa.
The top six competitors in each discipline will then attend an IMI training day ahead of the live finals in November in Cardiff.
Age eligible winners may have the opportunity to progress with Team UK to the WorldSkills International competition in Japan in 2028.
Entries are free and open now. Employers and further education colleges can nominate learners through the WorldSkills website, with participation counting towards 20% of on the job training within an apprenticeship.