Thatcham Research to host practical assessments for prestigious awards

Thatcham Research has announced an evolution in its partnership with Bodyshop Magazine’s prestigious annual awards programme.

For the first time ever, the automotive risk intelligence company’s Automotive Academy will host all of the practical assessments for the awards from Monday, July 28, to Wednesday, July 30, giving skilled technicians the opportunity to showcase their expertise.

The disciplines to be assessed will include:

Thatcham Advanced Technologies Technician of the Year, powered by as Tech-Bodyshop,

Thatcham Vehicle Damage Assessor of the Year, powered by IAEA-Bodyshop,

And Thatcham Paint and Panel Technicians of the Year, powered by Vizion-Bodyshop.

Three separate apprentice categories will include:

Thatcham Paint and Panel Apprentices of the Year, powered by Vizion-Bodyshop,

And Thatcham Mechanical Electrical and Trim (MET) Apprentice of the Year, powered by as Tech-Bodyshop.

Head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research Dean Lander said: “This expansion of our partnership with Bodyshop Magazine highlights our dedication to amplifying the achievements of industry professionals and leading the sector in repair best-practice and innovation.

“It will be a real privilege to witness the passion, precision and pride these professionals bring to the future of vehicle repair.

“I look forward to welcoming the finalists to our site next month.”

Bodyshop Magazine editor Simon Wait added: “Each year we work hard to raise the bar across all of our awards, especially the technical categories as we make them more exciting and more challenging for the competitors.

“In order to lift the technical categories to yet another level this year there was only one choice for our practical assessments, and that was to move everything to the impressive Thatcham Research Automotive Academy. “

The IMI (Institute of The Motor Industry) recently revealed a decline in MET apprentice numbers, underscoring the importance of fostering the next generation of professionals to secure the future of the sector.

As an active research centre and training provider, Thatcham Research plays a critical role in advancing vehicle damageability and repairability research.

The Bodyshop Magazine Awards celebrate outstanding technical proficiency in automotive repair, showcasing the highest standards of skill and precision.