IMI News

Scottish auto technician claims top spot in UK skills competition

Twenty year old Paul Abbey, from Melrose, has been crowned the UK’s top young automotive technician in a national skills competition.

Paul, who works at Gattonside Garage in the Scottish Borders competed against the very best young automotive technicians in the UK Skillauto competition in the Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance category, which was held at the Motor Industry Research Centre at Thatcham, Berkshire. Competitors had to demonstrate their diagnostic and repair skills on a variety of vehicles and systems. Paul came out on top, collecting a trophy and prizes from competition sponsor, Snap-on Tools.

Bill Lowes, Paul’s employer, was delighted with the result and said:  “We never doubted Paul would do well and I’m sure his enthusiasm, commitment and attitude will see him through the next stage.”

During his training, Paul was awarded the Border Apprentice of the Year award 2006 from the Scottish Motor Trade Association and in October 2007, he successfully won the Scottish heat of the Skillauto competition.  Now with the UK title under his belt he will enter the selection process for the Worldskills competition which is being held in Canada next year.  If selected, Paul will represent the UK automotive industry in the four day Light Vehicle competition, challenging for a world title.

The IMI’s Scottish development manager, David Massie, said: “With the pace of technological advance in our industry it is fantastic to see an enthusiastic group of young apprentices display the level of skills and knowledge needed to ensure Scotland’s garages keep up with these changes.  Paul is a worthy champion who encompassed the philosophy of these competitions to stretch our best young talent beyond competence to excellence.”

SkillAuto has achieved one of the best track records for a national skills competition with medallists at the last two global competitions. Competing and winning on the international stage at WorldSkills is an integral part of the IMI’s ambitious plans to improve the perception of careers in the automotive sector, and address business need.   The focus now turns to the competition in London in 2011, which will precede the hosting of the Olympic Games in 2012.

Candidates for 2008 Skillauto competition are requested to register their interest via the Skillauto website before completing a series of online tasks. The competitions encompass light and heavy vehicle servicing, as well as vehicle body repair and painting. They are designed to reflect the latest advancements in technology and business requirements, providing candidates with the opportunity to develop their skills further.

www.skillauto.co.uk

Ends

For further information please contact:
Stuart Brooks or Simon Bennett
Tel: 01992 511521

Note to Editors:

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the retail motor industry and the Sector Skills Council for the automotive sector, part of the Skills for Business network. It is also the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme, which has more than 10,500 accredited technicians.