At Stoneacre, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of automotive talent — and this year, we’re incredibly proud to shine a spotlight on one of our rising stars. Autocare Maintenance and Repair Apprentice, Cade Turnbull, has secured his place in the IMI Skills Competition 2025 Light Vehicle Masterclass finals, and his journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
A Celebration of Skill, Passion, and Dedication
The IMI Skills Competitions are one of the most exciting events in the automotive calendar. Designed to identify and celebrate the finest young apprentices across the UK, these competitions push participants to demonstrate exceptional technical skill, precision, and professional pride.
Each year, competitors battle it out across four specialist streams — light vehicle technology, heavy vehicle technology, automotive body repair, and automotive refinishing. This year’s Light Vehicle finalists, including Cade, travelled to Towcester for an immersive masterclass at Pro-Align’s state-of-the-art training centre. It was here that they got a true taste of what awaits them on the national stage.
Hands-On Learning with Cutting-Edge Tech
During the masterclass, finalists rotated through a series of real-world tasks designed to mirror competition conditions. The focus? Two of the most essential skills for any modern light vehicle technician: wheel alignment and balancing.
Working with industry-leading equipment such as:
- Hunter Road Force Elite
- Hunter Hawkeye Elite TD
- Hunter Auto34R
Competitors refined their accuracy, sharpened their problem-solving, and put their time-management skills to the test. By the end of the day, each finalist walked away with greater confidence — and Cade was no exception.
The experience not only strengthened his technical ability but also helped set the stage for his performance at the national finals this November.
Cade’s Journey: From Childhood Curiosity to Competition Finalist
Cade’s passion for vehicles started long before he joined Stoneacre.
“From a young age, I’ve always had a deep passion for cars — how they work, how they’re built, and the technology behind them.”
That early fascination led him into the automotive world, first through hands-on learning and eventually into a full apprenticeship. Now working alongside experienced professionals, Cade says being surrounded by vehicles every day is “a dream come true”.
But like any great journey, his hasn’t come without challenges.
With the automotive landscape evolving rapidly — especially with the rise of EVs and advanced diagnostics — keeping up hasn’t always been easy. Still, Cade has risen to every challenge by staying curious, asking questions, and making the most of the support available to him.
“Every challenge has helped me become more confident and capable.”
Competition, Confidence, and Growth
For Cade, the IMI Skills Competition has been an unforgettable experience:
“It’s exciting, intense, and inspiring. It’s pushed me to think critically under pressure and helped me realise how far I’ve come.”
He’s already seeing the practical benefits, from improved technical skills to increased industry recognition. And he knows this experience will help shape his career for years to come.
“It’s motivated me to keep pushing myself and aim even higher.”
A Message from His Trainer
Stoneacre Technical Trainer David Pickles had nothing but praise for Cade’s commitment and talent:
“Cade is an exceptional individual whose passion for the automotive industry shines through in everything he does. His technical ability, commitment to learning, and professionalism make him a standout talent. Cade consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a willingness to go above and beyond, making him a fantastic representative of Stoneacre and a role model for other young professionals.”
Proudly Supporting the Next Generation
Having Cade reach the finals is a huge moment for Stoneacre — a reflection of our dedication to developing skilled, confident, and forward-thinking professionals.
We invest heavily in apprenticeships, mentoring, and continuous training, ensuring young technicians have every opportunity to grow. And with the industry moving toward EVs, autonomous tech, and digital diagnostics, nurturing adaptable and tech-savvy talent has never been more important.
Cade’s success is a testament not only to his own hard work but also to the power of investing in people and building careers for life.
Congratulations, Cade — We’re All Behind You!
As the date approaches, we’re excited to cheer Cade on as he steps into the national finals. His journey so far has made us immensely proud, and we know he’ll continue to shine in everything he does.
Good luck, Cade — the future of automotive excellence is in great hands.
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