After a knowledge exam, six practical tasks the top six Light Vehicle Technology apprentices are heading to the IMI Skills Competitions finals in November to find out who will be crowned winner and the best in the sector. Meet the stars of the industry who are vying for the ultimate prize…
Ryan Cullen – Southwest College – AL Services
“The competition so far has been challenging but fun and a great learning experience. I’m looking forward to the challenge of different tasks”
Elliot Ritchie – Calex UK – Western Mazda
“It’s been exciting so far, and I’m looking forward to meeting new people.”
Jack Robert Johnston – Perth UHI – JR auto services
“I’m looking forward to the different tasks.”
Ashley Hursley – Volkswagen group national learning centre –Audi Approved Colchester
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to take part and meet the other contestants.”
Ashley Hursey made an immediate impression at his initial interview with Group 1 Auto’s Colchester Audi, impressing his manager Steve with his in depth knowledge of vehicle components, this despite not having any prior training or experience in automotive he says “Ashley has a need to know how things work, and will go home and research if there is something he doesn’t quite understand, his technical knowledge at that point was far and above what we would expect”. Ashley attributes his start in Automotive to his longstanding interest in cars. At first he considered doing ICT and Computing, but thankfully decided to pursue his passion for engineering knowhow in Automotive. “ I enjoy the problem solving side of the job, especially when its on newer and more premium cars we work with, with the latest technology”. The biggest challenge according to Ashley has been “I’ve grown in confidence, especially at the start of the apprenticeship I was really shy and quiet, talking with a range of new people was sometimes difficult, but now I’m much more confident”. And that Growth in confidence, with the support and guidance of his colleagues is what led to him on taking part in the 2023 skills competition “ Its not something I would have been able to do 3-4 years ago, it was challenging, but once I found out id won my qualifier group, it really gave me a boost”.
Ashley certainly has the backing of everyone at Audi Colchester and is on a mission to continually develop his skills on the way to his ambition of reaching Master technician status. His advice to anyone considering getting into Automotive is “Just to have confidence in your abilities and be willing to try new things, and be willing to fail rather than being too nervous to give it a go”.
Oliver Young – Perth UHI – J&R Auto Services
“It’s been exciting so far and I’m looking forward to the challenge of the competition and meeting likeminded people.”
Arran Christopher Powell – Bosch Training Centre Doncaster – J&J Motors
Keep an eye on the IMI website and social streams to find out how the IMI Skills Competitions Finals unfold in November and for your chance to appear in the 2024 line up, sign up for updates