Emtec Nottingham College has been named winner of the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) Championing Inclusion in Automotive Award 2026 for its transformative Apprentice Support Hub.
Sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group as part of the ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign, the accolade recognises organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
The college’s Apprentice Support Hub was specifically cited for embedding bold, inclusive practices that remove barriers for learners with disabilities and diverse backgrounds through personalized support and trauma-informed coaching.
According to the judging panel, the Hub has achieved exceptional results in learner attendance and satisfaction while setting a new benchmark for inclusive excellence across the automotive apprenticeship sector.
By fostering a campus-wide culture of belonging and fairness, the initiative aims to ensure the motor trade becomes a more accessible and diverse industry for the next generation of technicians.
Shortlisted nominees for the 2026 award included Colin Denton of North London Garages and Wayne Derbyshire, Managing Director of Teaching Educationally Creative Kids, both recognised for their significant contributions to industry inclusion.
The award highlights a growing industry-wide shift toward diversifying the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the modern automotive landscape.
