IMI Skills Competition

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is WorldSkills?

  Those who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK. Held biannually, WorldSkills is the global hub for skills excellence and development who use the knowledge gained from participation and engagement to drive the greatest skills education from across the world into UK practice.

• What are the key dates and locations for the competition?

  •    Nominations and online quiz: 3rd - 28th March  
  •    National Qualifiers for Refinishing and Body Repair at Eyebox, Coventry: 14th - 16th May
  •    National Qualifiers for Heavy Vehicle at Delphi, Leamington Spa: 19th - 21st May
  •    National Qualifiers for Light Vehicle at Delphi, Leamington Spa: 19th - 23rd May
  •    Finalists announced: 10th July
  •    Employer visits (case studies): September 
  •    Masterclasses x4: TBC September /October 
  •    Final at Cardiff: 25th - 28th November

• What are the entry requirements?

  Studying a Level 3 OR Completed an Apprenticeship within the last 12 months. 

• What financial support can I get?

  All accommodation and food costs are covered for the national qualifiers and finals. WorldSkills UK have a competitors support fund available to widen participation. The Fund helps cover essential costs for those who need it, including but not restricted to travel, equipment and clothing, care responsibilities and staff cover costs for small and medium-sized employers.

  Find out more about funding.

• What adjustments can you make to include me in the competition?

  We are committed to ensuring the IMI Skills Competitions are inclusive and we offer a range of adaptations to meet everyone's individual needs, and are open to discussing with competitors or their points of contrast to bringing in new and bespoke measures for individuals.

• How do I get into Team UK?

  IMI Skills competition finalists who score over the benchmark sore of 65% set by WorldSkills UK in the UK National Finals and who will be 22 or under in the year of international competition are eligible to be included in WorldSkills Squad UK, for team UK selection. WorldSkills happens alternate years: Euro Skills 2025 in Denmark / WorldSkills 2026 in China / Euro Skills 2027 in Germany / WorldSkills 2028 in Japan.

• How much time off work will I need to take part in the competition?

  Total of 6.7 days = (Feb/March) 45 mins nomination & online test, (May/June) one day National Qualifier with an overnight stay, (Sept/Oct) 1-hour virtual employer visit, (Oct) 1-day Masterclass with an overnight stay, (Nov) 4.5 days for Final with overnight stays. 

• What will I get from the competition?
  • Testing your current skills against the rest of the sector
  • Learning with specialists training days in the latest technology and equipment
  • Opportunity to add IMI Skills Competitions onto your CV to showcase your talent
  • Networking opportunities with other learners, employers and training providers
  • Improving your workplace soft skills including tenacity, problem-solving, time management, confidence, technical skills, communication, resilience and stress management.  
  • Potentially a Gold medal and the chance to say you are the best new talent in the UK.
• When does the competition start each year?

  Each competition year starts in Feb/March and you will need to be nominated by a tutor or employer within a 4-week window. You will then need to complete an online quiz within a stated time. The practical stages are in May and June and the final is in November.