Scania UK’s Apprentice of the Year, George Hinkley, has been named the winner of the Institute of the Motor Industry’s 2022 Skills competition.
The South Mimms-based technician beat tough competition to claim the top prize in the Heavy Vehicle Technology category. He will now go on to represent the UK team at the WorldSkills International finals in Lyon, France, in September 2024.
George said: ‘I was shocked to win – I wasn’t expecting it. I was confident in my ability and how I had done throughout the competition, but to win is truly amazing.’
George and the other finalists battled it out across two days of practical competition at Cardiff and Vale College. Each competitor completed six practical technical challenges in front of a team of volunteer judges.
Skills recognition
Aaron McGrath, Head of People Development at Scania UK, said: ‘George is an inspiration for other budding technicians. I’m pleased his skills have been recognised at a national level.
‘The fact he is representing Scania UK and Remit at the WorldSkills International finals in Lyon next year is fantastic. We want our apprentices to be involved in the IMI’s and WorldSkills’ competitions yearly, with hopefully one of our superstar technicians leading the way.’
Over 500 students and apprentices began the IMI’s Skills Competition more than a year ago across four categories: Light Vehicle Technology, Body Repair, Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle Technology.
The 23 winners will now represent Team UK and compete at the WorldSkills International competition in September 2024.
