Six apprentice HGV technicians have qualified for the inaugural final of the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition after taking part in regional qualifiers earlier this month.
The competition was launched this year following changes to the WorldSkills UK competition programme, providing a national platform for heavy vehicle apprentices to demonstrate their technical skills.
Eighteen apprentices competed in the qualifying rounds, held at the Renault Trucks UK Training Centre in Leicester between 1 and 3 July.
Competitors were assessed across six practical disciplines: brake systems, electrical systems, transmission, lighting, engine mechanical systems and engine management.
The six finalists will compete in the national final at the DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham on 11 September.
The finalists are:
Arseni Delchev, FCC Environment (Warwickshire Garage & Transport Group)
Cai Williams, Dennis Eagle, Merthyr Tydfil (Cardiff & Vale College)
Jayden Fossett, Brian Currie Milton Keynes (DAF) (Skillnet Training)
Monty Gambrell, Motus Commercials (DAF) (Skillnet Training)
Romeo Beeby, Keltruck (Scania) (Inspiro Training)
Theo Lanham, Adams Morey (DAF) (Skillnet Training)
Michael Massey, IMI skills competitions manager, said the standard demonstrated during the qualifiers reflected the technical ability of the next generation of HGV technicians.
“The competitors showed impressive attention to detail, technical knowledge and professionalism, demonstrating the skills required to maintain and repair today’s increasingly sophisticated heavy vehicles,” he said.
The launch of the competition comes as apprentice numbers continue to grow. According to the IMI, more than 1,500 learners began HGV apprenticeships during the 2024/25 academic year, with more than 80% enrolling on the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician pathway.
The IMI said apprenticeship starts on HGV programmes have increased by 47% over the past five years, highlighting growing interest in careers maintaining commercial vehicles at a time when the industry continues to face a shortage of qualified technicians.
