The IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition has named the six apprentice technicians who will compete in its inaugural national final this September, following qualifying rounds held at the Renault Trucks UK Training Centre in Leicester.
Launched earlier this year by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the competition was created to provide a recognised national platform for heavy vehicle apprentices following changes to the WorldSkills UK competition portfolio. It aims to support technical skills development, career progression and help strengthen the future HGV technician workforce.
Eighteen Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair apprentices took part in the qualifiers, which ran from 1 to 3 July. Competitors completed a series of practical assessments covering six core areas of heavy vehicle maintenance:
- Brake systems
- Electrical systems
- Transmission
- Lighting components
- Engine mechanical systems
- Engine management systems
The apprentices were judged on their technical knowledge, precision and problem-solving skills by an expert assessment panel.
Six apprentices progress to the final
The six highest-scoring competitors will now compete in the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competitionnational final on 11 September at the DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham. The event will feature further live technical challenges before a medal ceremony later that day.
The finalists are:
| Apprentice | Employer | Training Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Arseni Delchev | FCC Environment | Warwickshire Garage & Transport Group |
| Cai Williams | Dennis Eagle (Merthyr Tydfil) | Cardiff & Vale College |
| Jayden Fossett | Brian Currie Ltd Milton Keynes (DAF) | Skillnet Training |
| Monty Gambrell | Motus Commercials (DAF) | Skillnet Training |
| Romeo Beeby | Keltruck Ltd (Scania) | Inspiro Training |
| Theo Lanham | Adams Morey (DAF) | Skillnet Training |
Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competitions Manager, praised the standard of the entrants.
“It was fantastic to see some of the UK’s top HGV learners compete in the qualifiers of the first ever independent IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition, highlighting the skill, passion and potential of the next generation of technicians.
He added: “The standard of work demonstrated throughout was exceptionally high, with competitors showing impressive attention to detail, technical knowledge and professionalism. They tackled complex faults with confidence and clearly demonstrated the skills required to maintain and repair today’s increasingly sophisticated heavy vehicles.
“All of the competitors represent the future of the heavy vehicle industry and should be proud of what they’ve achieved. We very much look forward to seeing the finalists demonstrate their skills once again in September.”
Supporting future HGV technicians
Renault Trucks UK hosted the qualifying rounds at its Leicester training centre and has been involved with the competition since it was established.
Mandla Ndhlovu, Technical & Apprentice Academy Manager at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “We have been thrilled to be a part of this competition from its inception. We’ve been really keen to work with the IMI to give technicians an opportunity to showcase their skills, and the hard work they have put into their careers so far. Good luck to everyone competing in the finals.”
The launch of the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition comes as apprenticeship numbers continue to grow across the sector. According to recent IMI analysis, HGV apprenticeship starts have increased by 47% over the past five years. More than 1,500 learners began HGV apprenticeships during the 2024/25 academic year, with 80.6% enrolling on the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician pathway.
The IMI believes competitions such as this provide an additional opportunity to develop practical skills, recognise achievement and encourage more young people to pursue careers maintaining increasingly complex heavy vehicles.
More Information
- Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI): www.theimi.org.uk
- Renault Trucks UK:www.renault-trucks.co.uk
- DAF Apprentice Academy / DAF Trucks UK: www.daf.co.uk
For more like this visit the Trucking Magazine website (https://truckingmag.co.uk), or subscribe to Trucking Magazine here (https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/trucking-magazine).
