Skills move

Skills move

1 May 2008

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IMI takes over SkillAuto in continued drive to improve industry image

THE IMI has taken over technical skills contest group SkillAuto, to help develop the young technical talent of the future.

SkillAuto is an organisation in charge of indentifying and supporting young and apprentice technicians competing in the UK Skills and renowned WorldSkills contests.

The IMI will now work to improve the profile of SkillAuto and add to its existing work promoting the motor sector as an attractive and highly-skilled industry in which to work.

SkillAuto is currently involved in competitions focusing on light and heavy vehicle servicing as well as body repair and painting.

Lesley Upham, director of communications at Thatcham and chairman of the new steering committee that will oversee the running of SkillAuto, said becoming part of the IMI meant greater resources with which to promote skills within the sector.

“With the resources of the IMI we can provide a focused set of competitions which reflect industry need and stretch our young competitors as we gear up our action plan for Canada 2009 and here in the UK at the WorldSkills competition in 2011 and beyond.”

Lesley Woolley, the IMI’s head of professional development, who will be managing SkillAuto activities, said the move would help make the motor industry a more attractive place to work.

“By adding SkillAuto to our plans to make a career in our sector highly attractive, we will be highlighting the world class skill levels at which individuals now need to work at in the sector, re-enforcing their status as professional engineers and delivering long overdue status and respect.”

In 2005, Andrew Blair won a gold medal in autobody repair at the WorldSkills contest in Helsinki. Last year, Jonathan Lloyd and Simon Noble (pictured above right) each scooped a bronze medal in autobody repair and vehicle painting, respectively, while competing against the best young technicians from 48 countries.

Young apprentice technicians are currently being selected to take part in the 2009 WorldSkills event Canada. After this, the focus will turn to the competition in London in 2011. To find out more, go to www.skillauto.co.uk.

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