IMI Awards News

Motor Industry Recognition for IMI Awards Outstanding Achievers

14 June 2010

IMI Awards celebrated the achievements of individuals and colleges at their annual outstanding automotive achievers event which was held at Fanshaws in Hertfordshire on Thursday 10 June 2010.

This prestigious event, which is held in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent and sponsored by Euro Car Parts and Lex Autolease, celebrates the achievements of students and staff from IMI Awards approved centres.  Four colleges were in the running for IMI Awards Approved Centre of the Year and 19 students were invited as finalists to the event in the individual categories.

Finalists were congratulated by HRH Prince Michael of Kent who said in his opening address, "Being here today means that you are all involved in the future of the automotive industry, which is a critical path of the UK economy. Your skills, competence and ambition are a real credit to this industry.  I would like to offer my personal congratulations to all of you, who have worked so hard to earn this recognition."

The first award of the day was for the IMI Awards Approved Centre of the Year which went to Scottish based Motherwell College for their significant investment over the last twelve months having opened their 21st century £70 million facilities last year, which houses state-of-the-art modern technology classrooms and workshops in its dedicated automotive centre.  The colleges overall performance, range of qualifications offered to its candidates and support provided to local and regional businesses, means Motherwell represents a premier offering in IMI Awards approved centre network.

In the most hotly contested of the individual awards, Aaron Reeve from the VT Group, was presented with the Outstanding Technical Student - Light Vehicle award for the high standard of his work, commitment and enthusiasm shown in his studies and in the workplace.

Zak Gadsby from Mertrux / Mercedes-Benz, was presented with the Outstanding Technical Student - Heavy Vehicle award, due in part to the excellent feedback from his employer and customers praised his helpful and professional manner, being described as "brilliant and a real asset to the company."

The category for Outstanding Technical Student - Body Repair was won by Drew Summerton from ReMIT Scotland and attends Motherwell College, as he demonstrates a real passion for the body repair sector often using his spare time welding to continually improve his skills, which paid off as he recently reached next stage of the World Skills competition.

Outstanding Technical Student - Paint was presented to Daniel McDowell from Belfast Metropolitan College and Riverpark Training in Northern Ireland who work in partnership with candidates studying for towards a qualification in this route.  Daniel, who is said to be the model apprentice, has also been nominated for Young Apprentice of the year and taken part in the SkillAuto paint competitions held in Northern Ireland.

The category of Outstanding Student in a non-technical discipline was awarded to Andrew Goodsir from ReMIT Scotland, who was chosen because of the pride and verve shown at his workplace at Peoples Falkirk, where he implemented a new system in the parts department that aided company's productivity.

Outstanding Management Student was awarded to Scott Hicks from Renault Truck Commercials in Coventry, who received promotion during his automotive management training with AIT Training Developments Ltd.  The training was quickly put into practice in his new role where his proactive approach, teamwork and organisational skills which has earned him great respect among his peers and colleagues.

The final category of Young Student of the Year was won by 16 year old Adam Rowland from Top Valley School & Engineering College, who impressed the judges with his exceptional drive and leadership skills after setting up extra sessions outside of school hours that improved not only his own study outcomes, but those of his classmates as well.

Winners received a glass trophy, framed certificate, a cheque and prizes donated by sponsor, Euro Car Parts, from HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

Bill Stimson, Marketing Director, Euro Car Parts, commented, "Euro Car Parts is proud to play a part in IMI Awards Outstanding Achievers. As the UK's leading independent distributor of parts for cars and vans, we recognise that today, more than ever, investment in tomorrow is vital to secure the long term prosperity of the sector and the wider economy. We are proud to play a part in rewarding the efforts and achievements of these talented young people, whilst recognising the support they receive from their tutors. Our congratulations go the winners, and all those who took part."

Joe Bhamra, Supplier Network Manager, Lex Autolease, said: "Lex Autolease are once again delighted to sponsor the IMI Awards Outstanding Achievers. As one of the leading fleet funding and management specialists, we recognise the value and importance of the awards achieved by individuals, whose consistent professionalism, dedication and determination are a credit to the motor industry.

ENDS.

Click here for group shot

Click links below to view individual photos or contact Marketing & Communications Manager Jane Allan janea@imiawards.org.uk  Tel: 01992 519 038

A full list of winners and finalists of the IMI Awards Outstanding Achievers 2010 are:

IMI Awards Approved Centre of the Year
Winner - Motherwell College
Finalist - Blackpool & The Fylde College
Finalist - Bridgwater College
Finalist - Coleg Glan Hafren

Outstanding Technical Student
Light Vehicle    
Winner: Aaron Reeve - The VT Group
Finalist: Daniel Mollit - Bridgwater College
Finalist: Joseph Downes - Martec Training

Heavy Vehicle   
Winner: Zak Gadsby - Mertrux / Mercedes Benz
Finalist:  Daniel Bennett - The Manchester College
Finalist: Ryan Langford - S&B Automotive Academy

Body Repair     
Winner: Drew Summerton - ReMIT Scotland
Finalist: Steve Driscoll - S&B Automotive Academy
Finalist: Carl Gomes - S&B Automotive Academy
Finalist: Clayton Sheppard - S&B Automotive Academy

Paint
Winner: Daniel McDowell - Belfast Metropolitan College / Riverpark Training
Finalist: Luke Ridley - Bridgwater College

Non Technical Student
Winner: Andrew Goodsir - ReMIT Scotland
Finalist: Jackie Hawkes - PSA Apprenticeships
Finalist: David Roberts - Volvo Training

Outstanding Management Student
Winner: Scott Hicks - AIT Training Developments Ltd

Young Student of the Year
Winner: Adam Rowland - Top Valley School & Engineering College (unable to attend)
Finalist: Jade Cook - Top Valley School & Engineering College (unable to attend)
Finalist: John Day - Motov8