Meet Arseni Delchev, IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology 2026 Finalist

When Arseni Delchev first joined FCC Environment, a place in the workshop wasn't part of the plan.

Working as a loader on one of the company's vehicles, he caught the attention of Workshop Supervisor Shayne Dunt, who quickly recognised something special in his attitude and approach to work.

"I encountered Arseni while he was a loader on one of the vehicles," explained Shayne. "He spent a small amount of time in the workshop, and I really liked his dedication and work ethic."

As opportunities arose within the business, Shayne knew exactly who he wanted to bring into the team.

"When the opportunity arose for me to add a mechanic to the team, he was my first contact."

That decision marked the beginning of a journey that has seen Arseni develop from an aspiring technician into one of the UK's top young talents in heavy vehicle maintenance.

Finding the Right Path

Arseni joined the workshop team around four years ago, but finding the right apprenticeship route wasn't straightforward.

"It took a little while to find the correct course for him," said Shayne. "We needed a heavy goods vehicle course rather than a car course. He's now in his second year and completing this year with his End-Point Assessment in October."

Since making the move into the workshop, Arseni has continued to progress, developing his skills and knowledge while gaining hands-on experience in a busy commercial vehicle environment.

Reaching the National Finals

Arseni's commitment and hard work earned him a place among the country's best new technicians as a finalist in the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition.

Initially, Shayne wasn't aware of just how significant the achievement was. "I'd heard he'd done a test and had been asked to attend," he said. "But when I found out it was an online knowledge-based assessment open to anyone, and that he had finished in the top 18 in the country, I was very proud of him."

"I first met Arseni when he was working as a loader, and his dedication and work ethic immediately stood out. When a mechanic position became available, he was my first choice. Four years on, he's now completing his Heavy Vehicle apprenticeship and has earned his place among the top 18 competitors in the country. I'm incredibly proud of him and everything he has achieved."

Shayne Dunt, Workshop Supervisor, FCC Environment

For both employer and apprentice, reaching the National Finals is recognition of the dedication and effort that has gone into developing Arseni's skills.

Industry Excellence

Ahead of the finals, Shayne had the opportunity to attend the Heavy Vehicle National Qualifiers and was impressed by the facilities and support available to competitors.

"I'm currently at the IMI test day for the students and I'm very impressed with the facilities we have here at Renault," he said. "It's very clean, and all the instructors and judges are highly competent in what they do. It's been a pleasure to watch what goes on."

With his End-Point Assessment approaching, Arseni has already demonstrated what can be achieved through hard work, determination and the support of a great employer. For Shayne, seeing that journey unfold has been particularly rewarding.

From spotting potential in a loader to supporting a national finalist, Arseni's story highlights the importance of investing in emerging talent and creating opportunities for individuals to develop rewarding careers within the automotive sector.

Discover more about the IMI Heavy Vehicle Technology Skills Competition.