Entries are invited until the end of March 2007 from the IMI's approved centre network of over 350 colleges, training providers and manufacturers, which are responsible for more than 47,000 IMI-registered students.


Awards will be presented in six individual categories, recognising outstanding achievement in technical and non-technical disciplines, as well as an award for Approved Centre of the Year, won in 2006 by Training 2000 in Blackburn. Each of the winners will receive an engraved glass trophy, a framed certificate and a cheque for £200.


David Kershaw, Operations Director at Lloyds TSB autolease, commented, "We recognise that the best way to provide excellent customer service is to develop the skills of individuals. At Lloyds TSB autolease, a high proportion of our Technical Services advisors come to us from the motor industry, bringing with them a deep level of technical expertise. We know this sector is technical, and we believe the people working in it deserve the proper level of support. My team and I are industry trained, and we support the IMI by enrolling our staff with the institute.


We are therefore delighted to support the 2007 IMI Learning and Skills Awards and the promotion of excellence in learning, skills and qualification in the motor industry because, at the end of the day, we are supporting our own future."

Categories for the 2007 IMI Learning and Skills Awards are as follows:

1. Outstanding Technical Student (Light Vehicle)
2. Outstanding Technical Student (Motorcycle)
3. Outstanding Technical Student (Body repair and refinishing)
4. Outstanding Student in a non-technical discipline
5. Outstanding Management Student
6. Young Student of the Year
7. IMI Approved Centre of the Year