After a knowledge exam, six practical tasks the top six Body Repair 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 automotive sector who are vying for the ultimate prize…
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 2025 lineup, sign up for updates https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/events/imi-skills-competitions
Name – Belal Al-Haka
Employer – FMGRS
Skill – Body Repair
Name – Joe Wilton
Employer- SDM paint works
Skill – Body Repair
Competition experience so far:
It’s been good so far, to test my skills against other people and see where I’m at, and just I like a challenge really” I also did the Northern Ireland competition which, because it was the first one, I found stressful, but that helped with this national competition as id had some experience. The metal finish task was the biggest challenge on top of staying calm under pressure as we don’t get too many opportunities to do it day to day.
Career journey so far:
I have always had an interest in cars from when I was very young. When I left school, I knew I wanted to do something hands-on. I wasn’t sure what that was at the start, I came across bodywork when I was considering different options, and it was the one that appealed the most, so I thought I’d give it a go, I think because it satisfying to see the results of repairing something that was damaged through a process. I got accepted into Riverpark and because they have such a good reputation and contacts, they found me an apprenticeship placement here straight away.
Future aspirations: Once I’ve got my level 3, I guess the next thing will be to keep on improving, and maybe try more competitions. I also want to do more of the Paintless dent removal or PDR, and anything new that comes out really.
Employer and manager comments:
Joe’s manager Stuart added “It’s great to have him in the finals, obviously good for us as a business, definitely something to shout about for us and hopefully inspires other apprentices to do the same
Advice for new apprentices:
My advice is to give it time, it is challenging, and you can’t expect to know or be able to do everything right away. Just definitely have patience, which makes it more fun, its more stressful if you’re rushing and not taking in all the info you can.
Name – Arran Cooper
Employer- Apollo Motor Group (Steer)
Skill – Body Repair
Competition experience so far:
“So far it’s been an incredible experience, in most jobs there isn’t the chance to even take part in this kind of competition and show off your skills. Also going to new places like Eyebox in Coventry, and meeting people from different body shops has been great, I’m really thankful to have had the opportunity. As for the tasks, the main thing for me challenge wise was working to the time limits, especially with things like bonding and riveting where that’s not usually something you really consider.”
Career journey so far:
When I left school I went and did an ICT, Business and Media Studies course. I ended up leaving that early, wanting to be more hands-on, and went to a different college to study mechanics at level 1. Then Covid hit, college kind of disappeared and I eventually saw the opportunity here with Apollo (now part of Steer Group) and even though all roles at my closest shop were taken, they wanted to take me on so basically created a role for me here at the Southampton site.
Future aspirations:
Keeping up with new tech and skills like PDR (paintless dent removal) which I did a course on recently, I’d like to be an all-rounder, along the lines of MET so I can learn and take on anything that comes my way.
Employer and manager comments:
Taking part in the competition really builds confidence, dealing with working in a more pressurized environment. Arran is part of the future of our business so its important we put him and other apprentices in front of as many experiences as possible.
Advice for new apprentices:
“In the first instance, building a good relationship with your mentor is key, and secondly always be open to learning new things, take every training opportunity you get as the techniques and technology evolve.”
Name – Nathan Hoe
Employer- Steer Automotive
Skill – Body Repair
Competition experience so far:
Nathan has gone one step further this year in his second skills competition, demonstrating how his skills have progressed and taken him to this year’s finals. “It’s been good, definitely more confident this time around and the venue was great. I’ve had fun and enjoyed showing what I can do, I guess the challenging part is wanting to get everything perfect especially within the time limit, and even when you’re happy with the result you can always think about how you could do better next time.
Career journey so far:
“I’ve always been around cars and started my apprenticeship right out of school. My dads is in the industry so that was a factor, I also considered joining the RAF to do engineering but decided to follow my first choice. Since the last competition, I’ve improved my technique and working skills such as timekeeping. This year Nathan has also been named in the Bodyshop magazine’s 30 under 30 list, yet another recognition of his progress.
Future aspirations
I like diagnostics so could learn more about that, also working with new materials like composites and EV’s are important for the future, I’ll learn anything really as long as it helps me to keep improving
Employer and manager comments:
Manager Chris added “It’s important for us to bring through in-house talent, and Nathan is a great example of why. He really represents the kind of work ethic and culture that we want to promote not just in our business but the wider industry. We are immensely proud of him.
Advice for new apprentices:
Nathan’s advice: To give everything a go, especially when you’re an apprentice you’ve got too be willing. Chris’s advice for new apprentices “Really listen to your mentors and colleagues with respect and take it all in and action it.
Name – Owen Thomas
Employer- BP Rolls
Skill – Body Repair
Competition experience so far:
The competition has been a real eye-opener, and a good experience so far both the venue and meeting the other competitors. The tasks were well put together, nothing really caught me out, but working under the time limits was a challenge on some of the tasks. Looking forward to taking part in the masterclass training and of course ahead to the final to do my best, hopefully win a medal
Career journey so far:
I’ve always been interested in cars and vehicles generally, anything mechanical and tech based, so it had always been an idea of mine to get involved eventually. Both of my brothers actually trained in mechanics, so I had an idea what automotive is like, but I decided to try something different with body repair. In between I tried retail and did an electrician course at college, but starting the apprenticeship with BP Rolls was definitely the best decision for me
Future aspirations:
I want to go as far as I can in the competition and onto the world competition if I can. Also learn whatever I can, either new skills or do a higher qualification if that’s possible too.
Employer and manager comments:
Manager Andrew added “The skills competition has always been highly regarded and it’s nice to have one of our guys involved this year. As an apprentice Owen has always shown a lot of talent, so it’s even more important to keep feeding him the opportunities for training so he never gets complacent. He’s always been independent, getting on with his work and at college as well. It’s a great promotion for the company, and now we have a strategy as a group to develop our apprentice programme even further
Advice for new apprentices:
As a manager my advice is to really look into the job as the right career path for you, know what you are going into beforehand by asking questions. Also follow your interests, do it because you want to, not just because you’re expected to.
Name – Jordan Lingham
Employer- Sinclair’s Bodyshop
Skill – Body Repair
Competition experience so far:
“It’s been a great experience overall, happy to get through to the final again and you know hopefully earn myself a medal this time around.” as a returning finalist Jordan has been able to reflect on how this time differs from his last experience “It’s been easier this time around as I’ve been through the process before, which takes off some of the pressure but it still a bit nerve-wracking right at the start of tasks but I suppose you just have to get on with it don’t you? Meeting all the other competitors is great too.”
Career journey so far:
Jordan joined the Body repair sector as a panel tech apprentice, following in the boot steps of his dad who also worked at Sinclair Group accident and repair centre in Swansea. owing to his early exposure to the sector, Jordan always saw a career in Automotive as a possible destination for himself “I think most my life I’ve been interested in cars and bikes just the same as my dad cause he’s always worked on them.”
Future aspirations:
Jordan’s immediate aim is to get himself onto this year’s podium, and then “I just want to keep learning and doing my job better and better, what I like about the job is every day is different so there’s always opportunities to learn new skills or work on different cars.
Employer and manager comments:
Manager Dan added “Having two finalists in the competition again this year really shows the work we put into developing our young talent is worth it, Jordan has come a long way and deserves his chance to win a medal this time around, which he is more than capable of doing.”
Advice for new apprentices:
“Given the opportunity to go into the world skills, you definitely should go for it 100%, and if you make mistakes along the line, just carry on with what you’re doing. Don’t dwell on the mistakes when you’re in the competition, just crack on with what’s in front of you.”