IMI reveals final six in the Skillauto search for best light vehicle technician
Following a record number of entries and a series of regional heats across the country, the judges have now selected the final six technicians who will compete in the UK final of the Skillauto Automobile Technology (light vehicle) competition, sponsored by IMI Awards and Castrol.
From over 600 applicants, the top technicians in the light vehicle category were whittled down to the final six who will now compete on the 22nd and 23rd of June at the prestigious BMW Academy, near Reading in Berkshire. They face six challenging tasks held across the two days and any exceptional competitors identified during the final may be asked to take part in a selection event for the WorldSkills International competition, which is being held in London next year.
The highest scoring light vehicle technicians are as follows:
• Alex Knight - Gatwick Honda
• Paul Simpson - Verve Wishaw - Bogside, Scotland
• Phil Roberts - Central Garage, Llanrwst Wales
• Simon Castanha - Sytner Leicester BMW
• Stuart Prince - Lookers Honda, Derby
• Stuart Hobbs - Lynx Garage, Havant
The aim of the Skillauto competitions is to identify and promote the exceptional talent of those working in the automotive industry, with competitions running across three disciplines, autobody repair, car painting and automobile technology. Competitions are open to those who have no more than three years experience, including training. The final of the autobody repair and car painting categories will take place at the Thatcham Triple Focus event on 16 and 17 June.
Melissa Sagir-Amos, Skills Competitions Coordinator at the IMI who oversees Skillauto activity said:
"Our congratulations go to the six light vehicle technicians who have been selected to go through to the automobile technology final. Skillauto aims to find the best and the judges were briefed not just to identify technical competence, but to look for excellence in the tasks, communication skills and the way the technicians worked. The competitions help to build confidence and the ambition of the technicians who take part and we wish all of them the very best of luck."