After a knowledge exam, six practical tasks the top six Heavy 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…
Ben Turner, Skillnet – Harris DAF High Wycombe
“So far the competition has been fun and challenging. I am looking forward to the finals and progressing through the competition and working through faults.”
Ben turner is one of the six 2023 IMI Skills competition Heavy vehicle finalists representing Harris DAF in High Wycombe.
Aleksander Zielechowski, Remit College – PCL West Thurrock
“The Competition has been decent so, far very similar to last years. [I’m looking forward to the ] practical tasks.”
About Alex: Alex enters this years final as a representative of MAN trucks
Alex’s Journey: Alex followed his interest and passion for anything hands on and mechanical when he started his motor career, although it was almost by chance that he landed his current role in the heavy vehicle sector at MAN. After applying for an different agency role he found that that role had already been closed, however through his enquiry he came across and ultimately was successful gaining an apprenticeship with Harris group MAN. Alex’s Manager Scott who himself came up through an apprenticeship route, says that Alex immediately impressed with his ability to soak up knowledge, his passion for the job and has especially excelled with his diagnostic capabilities.
Alex ‘s advice for others interested in Automotive:
Alex highlighted the need to have a willingness to listen to experienced advice, from mentors and colleagues at all times. “There are challenges when you first start out, in the physicality of some jobs, but also in that every day is different so you cannot get comfortable doing the same thing, you need to be adaptable. However, that same challenge is also one of the best things about the job for Alex “The variety is refreshing, everyday is a learning day and it never gets boring”
Joseph Roberts, Fife College – Fife Council
“I’m looking forward to testing my skills compared to others.”
Nicholas Garrett, Gateshead College – South Tyneside Council
“I’ve enjoyed the learning experience.”
About Nicholas: Nicholas is a proud representative of the Bus and Coach sector as one of our Heavy Vehicle finalists this year. He trains at Gateshead College.
Nicholas’s Journey: Nicholas comes into the final as one of the more mature apprentices this year, proving that it is never too late to start up a successful career in the automotive sector. Although he has some family background of working on trucks and Heavy goods vehicles, initially the automotive sector wasn’t even on Nicholas radar. After studying Music at Btec and later University level, he realised that the purely academic route didn’t suit his learning style. So learning from this experience, and knowing that he’d always enjoyed practical tasks and building things, he began looking into mechanical based apprenticeships until eventually, almost by accident, he found a place in the automotive sector that was right for him. The mix of learning on the job and learning theory played to Nicholas strengths, and has led him to become one of the top 6 apprentices in his field.
Nicholas‘s advice for others interested in Automotive:
Nicholas is keen to stress the importance of building effective working relationships with mentors and colleagues. “Even the grumpiest old techs come alive when you show an interest in their work by asking questions, showing you appreciate their knowledge and experience. It’s a key part of an apprenticeship but is also vital when you’ve qualified, as the learning process never ends”. According to Nicholas the best thing about working in the Automotive sector “is the variety, especially in heavy vehicles where you have the chance to work on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, basically a wide range of heavy duty engineering, and cutting edge technology that has to be up to the task of dealing with much more weight and strain. Everybody has a car, but not everyone can appreciate the heavy vehicle sector and what goes into it”.
Jack Fitton, Scania Academy Remit – Scania
“It’s been very good [and I’m looking forward to] learning new skills and knowledge.”
Harry Cooper, Sparshatt Academy – Sparshatts Truck and Van
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