The Institute of the Motor Business (IMI) has introduced the 24 IMI Abilities Competitions finalists that can compete on the dwell nationwide finals in November.

The 24 finalists have been determined following the conclusion of the Nationwide Qualifier occasions that happened throughout the UK throughout Might and June.

Nominated by their tutor or employer, high scoring apprentices took half within the Nationwide Qualifiers the place professional judges chosen college students and apprentices from 4 key specialisms – Physique Restore, Refinishing, Gentle Car Know-how, and Heavy Car Know-how.

The dwell nationwide finals shall be held in November at 10 faculties and coaching suppliers throughout Higher Manchester.

The winners shall be introduced at a medal ceremony at Bridgewater Corridor in Manchester with the prospect to go on to characterize Group UK in EuroSkills 2025 at Herning in Denmark and WorldSkills Worldwide 2026 in Shanghai, China.

Richard Hutchins, IMI Abilities Competitions Supervisor, mentioned: “The six finalists from every stream impressed the judges with their stage of talent, dedication and focus.

“And lots of the 2023 finalists face extra studying and work challenges, residing with dyslexia, autism and dyscalculia, making their success much more spectacular.

“Automotive is commonly believed to be unsuitable for individuals who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, however these inspirational finalists show in any other case.

“They’re succeeding to the very best stage in our more and more inclusive and wealthy sector.”

The IMI mentioned automotive is going through a 20-year excessive of 26,000 vacancies, and the IMI’s new Perceptions Marketing campaign – Issues Are Shifting – goals to discredit outdated misperceptions which are on the coronary heart of the recruitment challenges.

Hutchins mentioned: “As a sector, we urgently want to come back collectively to alter the long-held adverse perceptions and encourage extra folks to think about automotive careers.

“We have to fill round 112,000 roles within the subsequent decade, spanning greater than 200 occupations and these awards spotlight the huge array of alternatives obtainable, in addition to the inspiring trainees and apprentices that can assist to take automotive ahead and guarantee it evolves to be richer, extra numerous, to greatest serve our clients.”

The 2023 finalists