IMI Skills Competition Finalists Prepare for Success at Pre-Finals Training

As the IMI Skills Competition National Finals draw closer, finalists from across the UK are taking part in two dedicated pre-finals training days designed to help them refine their skills, build confidence and familiarise themselves with the equipment and processes they will encounter in competition.

Hosted by industry partners ITAS and Car-O-Liner, the sessions offer competitors with valuable hands-on experience and expert guidance ahead of the finals.

Day One: Refinishing Competitors Sharpen Their Skills at ITAS

The first training day took place at ITAS, where finalists in the Refinishing category focused on developing their knowledge and practical application of Glasurit 100 Line paint products.

Throughout the day, competitors explored key tasks and techniques that may feature during the finals, with an emphasis on achieving high-quality results through best practice and precision. Participants were also encouraged to work closely with technical data sheets, reinforcing the importance of following manufacturer guidance and industry standards.

As part of the training, competitors also gained a greater understanding of the sustainability benefits behind the products they are using. Glasurit's AraClass forms part of an eco balance portfolio produced using the certified biomass balance method, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve fossil resources. 

Glasurit 100 Line is widely recognised as one of the most environmentally conscious waterborne basecoat systems available globally. 100 Line keeps the environment beautiful with lower emissions compared to other paint systems and is highly efficient due to extremely short flash-off times and low energy consumption

Glasurit

In addition, innovative manufacturing processes include the recycling of used tyres, which are converted into oil and used as a raw material in paint production, supporting a more circular approach to manufacturing.

Michael Strydom, Technical and Training Manager, Surventis Coating commented:

"For us at Surventis, it’s important to showcase our products and give competitors an insight into what innovation looks like, allowing them to work with the latest technologies, the most sustainable paint solutions and our digital tools, helping them develop a good understanding of the technologies shaping the industry."

The session provided competitors with the opportunity to fine-tune their spraying techniques, gain confidence in using the products and ask questions of experienced industry professionals, helping them prepare for the challenges ahead.

"Using different paints that I haven't used before was definitely challenging and it's completely opposite to what our paint schemes are like at work, but coming here today and being able to use the Glasurit paint line, has brought my confidence up and I understand what I need to do now for the finals."

Harvey Willoughby, Automotive Refinishing Finalist

Building Confidence Ahead of the Finals

Pre-finals training plays an important role in helping competitors perform at their best. Beyond developing technical skills, the sessions provide finalists with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with industry-standard equipment, learn from experts and gain a clearer understanding of the expectations of competition.

Michael Massey, IMI Skills Competitions Manager commented: 

"Reaching the National Finals is already a significant achievement, and these training days are designed to help competitors perform at their very best. By working with our industry partners and gaining hands-on experience with the latest technologies and equipment, finalists can build the confidence and skills needed to excel on competition day."

A huge thank you to Glasurit and ITAS for supporting the next generation of automotive talent and helping our finalists prepare for the National Finals.

We look forward to seeing all competitors put their training into practice when they take to the competition floor in the coming weeks.

Make sure to come back to the blog to keep updated on the training session at Car-O-Liner for Automotive Body Repair and Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle)