Autotech Group wins IMI Partner of The Year
Autotech Group has announced it has been named the IMI Partner of The Year, an accolade that marks a pivotal moment for the company.
This award is a testament to Autotech Group’s commitment to driving skills development across the automotive industry while supporting the work of the IMI.
Winning the IMI Partner of The Year Award is said to highlight Autotech Group’s shared commitment with the IMI to fostering skills development and industry progression. This accolade serves as an endorsement of the company’s efforts to address the skills gap, elevate training standards, and support people at every stage of their careers.
To be shortlisted alongside strong contenders, including Toyota GB and Lexus and Morelli, which are valued customers of Autotech Group, and emerge victorious is also an achievement.
Since 2010, Autotech Group has played a role in addressing the automotive aftermarket’s skills shortage and supporting industry growth in collaboration with the IMI. Through its brands—Autotech Recruit, Autotech Training, Autotech Academy, and Autotech Connect—the company claims to have championed the IMI’s mission to bridge the skills gap and support a new generation of talent.
This award is said to recognise Autotech Training’s efforts to deliver both technical and non-technical IMI-accredited training, creating bespoke upskilling programmes, fostering international collaborations and promoting lifelong learning through CPD. The company’s forward-thinking approach reportedly ensures that not only businesses and industry professionals stay ahead of technological advancements but also that its own contractor network is continually upskilled. By equipping its contractors with the latest skills and knowledge, the company claims to be strengthening its workforce’s ability to support businesses, fill resource gaps, and drive industry progression.
Another key contributor to this achievement is Autotech Academy, which has apparently revolutionised entry routes into the automotive sector. By providing paid internships for newly qualified technicians, Autotech Academy has partnered with over 120 IMI centres to drive awareness of automotive careers, achieving a 95% job placement rate and strengthening the future talent pipeline, according to the company.
Autotech Connect’s technological advancements have further enhanced industry efficiencies. By integrating Assisted Reality (AR) headsets for remote observation within the IMI Endpoint Assessment Team, the company says it has improved operational efficiency, reduced unnecessary travel, and enhanced customer experiences. Additionally, in alignment with the IMI’s campaign to support neurodiversity, the headset’s voice-to-text capability has reportedly been recognised as a valuable tool for those facing reading and writing challenges, fostering greater inclusivity in the workplace.
The IMI Judging Panel commented: “Autotech Group’s dedication to bridging the automotive industry’s skills gap in partnership with the IMI, through sponsorship, board participation, and upholding IMI standards, made them the clear choice for Partner of the Year. Their commitment to delivering both technical and non-technical training, developing bespoke programmes, and championing lifelong learning demonstrates their unwavering support for industry excellence and professional development.”
Beyond its direct contributions, it’s said Autotech Group actively supports key IMI initiatives, including campaigns such as ‘More to Motor’ and collaborations with the inaugural Automotive Work Experience Week alongside the School of Thought. By championing these projects, the company aims to play a role in inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, expressed his pride in receiving this recognition, commenting: “I’m incredibly proud that Autotech Group has been named the IMI’s Partner of the Year. It is a testament to our team’s hard work and our commitment with the IMI to driving excellence across the industry. Our mission has always been to address the automotive industry’s skills shortage, support professional development, and champion the IMI’s vital work in shaping the future of the sector.
“Each of our four brands play a crucial role in strengthening this partnership and, as a Group, we are deeply involved in the IMI’s key initiatives, from TechSafe™ to advisory board contributions, under the shared aim of strengthening the automotive workforce. This award is not just a recognition of past successes but a motivation to push the boundaries of excellence even further.”
