skillauto official website

Refuel
	News 02 July 09 : UK’s top young technician announced at the Skillauto final Twenty year old John Couldridge who works for Inchcape Honda in Romford, Essex, has been crowned the UK’s top young automotive technician in a national skills competition. John competed against the very best young automotive technicians in the Skillauto competition in the Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance category, which was held at Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. Competitors had to demonstrate their diagnostic and repair skills on a variety of vehicles and systems. Since March 2007, John has been working towards an NVQ level 3 in Vehicle Maintainence and Repair at the Honda Institute as part of the Honda Apprenticeship Programme. Along with a number of other Honda Apprentices, John took part in the first stage of the competition while attending a training block at the Honda Institute. From there John was identified as one of the top achievers in this initial stage and was invited to attend a regional final hosted by Honda before going onto the UK national finals. Finishing in joint second place was Matthew McCormack who works at the Maiden Newton Service Station in Dorset and Andrew Davidson from Henry’s Honda in Glasgow. Managed and run by the IMI, the aim of Skillauto is to identify and promote the exceptional talent of young people working in the automotive industry, who might then have the opportunity to go on and compete with the best from across the world at the prestigious WorldSkills events held every 2 years, such as Calgary to be held later this year and in London in 2011. Lesley Woolley, Head of Professional Development, who manages Skillauto activity at the IMI said: "Our congratulations go to John and the six other light vehicle technicians who competed in the UK Skillauto final. All the finalists have demonstrated the world class skill levels at which individuals now need to work at in the automotive sector, this re-enforces their status as professional engineers and delivers long overdue status and respect." 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. Pictured are the winner John Couldridge and Ian Eustace, Technical Trainer for Skillauto 03 April 09 : Regional heat receives ministerial visit The Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon MP paid a visit to the first day of a regional heat of the Skillauto competition. The event which took place at EMCAT at South Nottingham College on 27 and 28 March was the first of five regional heats in the auto tech (light vehicle) category. Friday’s competition was won by Daniel Houseman from Twells of Bilinghay and the winner of Saturday’s competition was Chris Wileman from Castle Garage, Ashby. The highest scoring competitors from across all five heats are selected to go through to the national final which takes place at Thatcham in June. Pictured with Geoff Hoon are College Principal Malcolm Cowgill (left) and Bill Jones (right) together with some of the competitors in the heat. The next heat will be at Bridgewater College on 8-9th April. 25 March 09 : Young technicians to put their skills to the test at Skillauto regional heats Following a record number of entries received, young technicians from across the country have now been invited to compete in a series of heats to find the best young technician in the UK. The aim of Skillauto is to identify and promote the exceptional talent of young people working in the automotive industry, who might then have the opportunity to compete with the best from across the world at the prestigious WorldSkills event. Skillauto runs competitions across three disciplines; autobody repair, car painting and light vehicle (service and maintenance). They are designed to reflect the latest advancements in technology and business requirements, providing candidates with the opportunity to develop their skills further. The top 24 technicians in the light vehicle category will compete in regional heats being held at 5 locations across the country where they will be asked to perform 6 practical tasks assessed to Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standards. Those in the autobody repair and paint categories will compete at regional heats in Blackburn, Berkshire and Glasgow. The finals of all three disciplines will then take place at Thatcham in June. Lesley Upham, Director of Commercial Development at Thatcham and Chair of the Skillauto Steering Committee, said: “The record number of entries received for this year’s competitions highlights the number of young technicians who want to prove that they are the best in their field. These competitions allow young people to demonstrate their passion and ability and help to build confidence. We hope that some of those competing in the regional heats this year can then go onto the WorldSkills event taking place in London in 2011.” The highest scorers from last year’s Skillauto competitions: Daniel Cain in the autobody repair category; Zac McLaughlan, and Ben Eaton for car painting; Paul Abbey and Dean Jones in the automobile technology (light vehicle) category have already been named to join the UK Squad. They will now undergo extensive training leading up to the final squad selection in June when the team is chosen to represent the UK at the next WorldSkills event in Calgary in September. Lesley Woolley, Head of Professional Development, who manages Skillauto activity at the IMI added: “Congratulations to Daniel, Zac, Ben, Paul and Dean on their selection to the UK Squad for WorldSkills and we wish them luck in the final selection process. The Skillauto competitions continue to show the high skill levels needed to work in the motor industry and deliver long overdue status and respect to young people working in the sector.” The confirmed regional competition dates and venues are EMCAT – Ruddington 27th & 28th March Bridgwater College – 8th & 9th April Honda – 15th April Toyota – awaiting confirmation 3rd February 2009 : WorldSkills squad selected The final 30 members of the UK WorldSkills squad have been announced, with bodyshop industry representatives Zak McLaughlan, Ben Eaton and Daniel Cain amongst them. The squad will now prepare for the final selection process in June. The new squad members were announced at a special event at Canada House, Trafalgar Square, which celebrated the success of the squad so far and went on to highlight the importance of skills in the UK. Simon Bartley, Chief Executive of UK Skills, said, “Each person on the squad has already shown that they have tremendous talent in their field but all of them now face months of hard training to make sure they are world class in order to be able to compete at WorldSkills in Canada in September. We need to be investing in this talent and preparing ourselves for the new challenges and competition that inevitably lies ahead.” 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. Press Release from UK Skills 4 medals and 9 medallions of excellence won at WorldSkills 2007 Following a tough season for world championship sports events, the UK can be justifiably proud of a national team whose achievements can be truly celebrated. It was announced today, Wednesday 21st November, that the UK WorldSkills team, made up of 22 highly talented young people, has won a fantastic four medals and nine medallions of excellence at WorldSkills 2007, the biggest skills based competition in the world. This year's team score results placed the UK 11th in the world overall, and fourth in Europe, improving the UK?s position in the team league table by one place from 2005. WorldSkills is a gruelling four day event, held every two years, in which 49 nations compete in skills such as engineering, landscape gardening, graphic design, hairdressing and beauty therapy and which this year saw over 200,000 spectators turn out in support. The UK team competed hard in 21 skill categories and has achieved the following: Gold - won by Gary Tuddenham (22) in the cabinet making event Silver - won by Harry Smith, (22) in the graphic design event Bronze - won by Simon Noble, (21) in the autobody repair event Bronze - won by Jonathan Lloyd (21), in the car painting event Medallion of Excellence - won by Stuart Greer (20), in the welding event Medallion of Excellence - won by Jonathan Bourne (21), in the bricklaying event Medallion of Excellence - won by Ben Ingersent (21), in the joinery event Medallion of Excellence - won by Natalie Stanyer (21), in the floristry event Medallion of Excellence - won by Donna Leach (22), in the hairdressing event Medallion of Excellence - won by Jade Kidd (19), in the beauty therapy event Medallion of Excellence - won by Will Torrent (21), in the confectionery event Medallion of Excellence - won by Keith Chapman & Tim Lancaster (both 21), in the landscape gardening event Medallion of Excellence - won by Andrew Critchlow (21), in the IT PC & Network event John Denham, Secretary of State said: 'WorldSkills is about raising the status and the standards of vocational education. What this years team has done epitomises that. Forty-nine nations competed highlighting how essential these skills are globally. For our team to have achieved such great results proves we have skills in this country at world class levels. This team is helping to break down the snobbery around skills training - there is nothing second best about good skills-based careers. "Throughout their training and the competition the team showed magnificent pride in their work. I hope that young people seeing what has been achieved in Japan will feel inspired to take up skills they can excel at professionally. I want many more to rise to the challenge themselves for the next competition in Canada in 2009 and again in 2011 when London will be hosting WorldSkills - and when we can show we can be the best!" David Lammy, Minister for Skills said: "I have met each and every one of these young people and can testify to their hard work and achievement. Their skills are the very best of British. Each team member is entitled to be very proud of what they have achieved." Chris Humphries, Chairman of UK Skills and newly appointed chief executive of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills said: "Skills matter to UK businesses and the UK economy, and WorldSkills provides the ultimate benchmark of a nation's young people, and the education and training we provide them. These 22 young UK competitors rose to the challenges presented by the WorldSkills competitions and confirmed that they are indeed true champions - up there with the best in the world. To them all, to our medal and medallion winners, and to their teachers and trainers, UK Skills offer our heartiest congratulations!" Simon Bartley, Chief Executive of UK Skills, who coordinates the UK participation in WorldSkills, said "The team has worked so hard from the day that they were selected all the way through to the end of the competition to ensure they were the best they could be, so the results they have achieved are absolutely deserved. The results are really great and we are very proud of the whole team. They have ensured that the UK is well on its way to being World class by 2020." Rob Wye, Director, Strategy and Communications Group and The Learning Group commented "The UK results in the WorldSkills competition reflect the improvements and excellence being delivered through the Further Education system. The hard work and ambitions of the individuals who have achieved medals is to be congratulated. We hope these great achievements inspire other individuals to develop their talents and skills - for personal and professional gain." The team will now spend time in Shanghai for a de-brief and review on how the competition went before returning home to the UK. Preparation will then start to secure a new team to take part in WorldSkills 2009 and WorldSkills 2011, when London will host the event. The UK WorldSkills team is managed by UK Skills working in partnership with the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Scottish Executive, the Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland, the Welsh Assembly Government and key partners from education, government and industry. Supporters of the 2007 team include; City & Guilds, the Learning and Skills Council, the Quality Improvement Agency, Honda, L'Or�al Professionnel, Snickers Workwear and Brathay. Competition Deadline extended The deadline to complete the skillauto Light Vehicle Competition has been extended to 9th October Competition Deadline extended The deadline to complete the skillauto Light Vehicle Competition has been extended to 9th October True grit Endurance racing is one of the ultimate tests of man and machine. 2007 Worldskills finalist, Dan Glover (click on image for full size image), was among those who took part in the UK?s version of the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours at Silverstone. There's motor racing and there's endurance motorsport. Think of a Formula One race and multiply it by twelve. Over sixty cars in five different classes, racing into the sunset, through the night, welcoming the sunrise and knowing there are still eight hours to go. Throw in a smattering of accidents, pit lane dramas and a bunch of guys from BBC?s Top Gear programme and you have a blend of high octane excitement which is both exhilarating and exhausting. Launched in 2005, the Britcar 24 Hours of Silverstone is the jewel in the calendar of the European Endurance and Racing Club, which has brought a major 24-hour race back to the UK after an absence of more than a decade. Among the field this year was a Nissan 350Z run by Shawn Taylor Racing with support from Automotive Distributors, IMI, Mondial UK and Snap-on. Assisting a crack squad of technicians, was Dan Glover, the UK?s finalist for the Worldskills competition, who joined a team of apprentices and lecturers from Warwickshire College, which had helped the team last year. As the race got into its stride, things were going well with the Nissan moving up the field steadily to 27th place but in the sixth hour, the differential began to overheat, leading to the failure of the seals. Ultimately, the car had to be retired but not before a valiant effort by all concerned. All the team and sponsors wish Dan the best of luck in Japan in November. Craft Award Winners Announced The winners of the 2007 Thatcham/Bodyshop craft awards in the Young Panel and Young Paint categories were announced live at Bodyshop Magazine?s 11th Annual Awards dinner on the 21st September. Congratulations to the winners who were Young Panel Technician Joseph Franks, Rally Repaints, Selby, North Yorkshire Young Paint Technician Shane Lawrence, A & J Lawrence, Portsmouth, Hampshire The young Technician Craft Awards are used by Skillauto as the selection route for UK representation at the Worldkskills competition which is held every two years. Skillauto Competition Winners to represent Britain at Worldskills 2006 competition winners in Panel, Paint and Light Vehicle will get the chance to demonstrate their skills on the world stage later on this year. Young Panel Technician of the Year, Simon Noble from Simon Bailes Peugeot, Young Painter, Jonathan Lloyd from Bavarian Agnew Repair Centre and Light Vehicle repair and Maintenance winner, Dan Glover from Honda have all been selected to represent Britain at this year's Worldkskills competition in Japan. For Jonathan and Simon their selection completes a hat trick having both won the Bodyshop/Thatcham Young Technician Craft Awards two years running. The young Technician Craft Awards are used by SkillAuto as the selection route for UK representation at the Worldkskills competition which is held every two years. This year 800 people from 48 countries will compete in 40 different vocational categories over four intensive days. In 2005 Britains competitor in the Autobody Repair category did the industry proud by coming back with the UK's only gold medal. Good luck to Simon, Jonathan And Dan. Young Panel and Paint Competitions : Testing Days Announced The testing days for competitors in the Young Panel Technician and Young Painter of the Year competitions will take place at Thatcham on the 20th and 21st June. The event will be part of Thatcham?s Triple Focus show which will guarantee plenty of visitors and spectators as competitors go head to head in this, the national final. The winner in each category will be announced later at the Bodyshop Magazine Industry Event on the 20th and 21st September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. UK win makes London WorldSkills capital for 2011 The UK has won a bid to host the WorldSkills Competition in London in 2011. Voting took place in Melbourne at the WorldSkills Annual General Meeting with delegates from the 38 different member nations of the WorldSkills organisation. WorldSkills, held every two years, will take place in London from the 6th to the 9th October 2011. The competition will be in ExCeL London, one of the main venues for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. The UK bid faced strong competition from Australia and Sweden.