Delphi Honors Rising Talent At IMI Awards 2026

Delphi, a prominent name in automotive technology and training, has stepped up as the sponsor of the prestigious Apprentice of the Year Award at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Annual Dinner and Awards 2026. The event, which is set to take place on March 11, 2026 at the London InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, will shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent making waves in the sector. This year, the award has found a deserving recipient in Ursula Reid, a Wisconsin-based farmer whose dedication and passion have set her apart in the world of dairy grazing.

The Apprentice of the Year Award is designed to celebrate exceptional emerging talent within the motor industry, recognizing apprentices who not only excel in their technical roles but also show a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Delphi’s involvement as sponsor underscores the company’s long-standing investment in skills development and training, a commitment made tangible through initiatives such as the Delphi Academy. The Academy offers workshops and learning resources that equip apprentices and technicians with the real-world skills needed for repair excellence.

Aliya Lam, UK country director at Delphi, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting the award, stating, “We’re pleased to be sponsoring the IMI Apprentice of the Year Award 2026. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry, they bring fresh ideas, technical curiosity and a commitment to continual learning. Supporting their development and celebrating the achievements of the next generation of talent in the sector aligns perfectly with Delphi’s mission.” According to Bodyshop Magazine, this sponsorship is a testament to Delphi’s belief in nurturing the future of the industry.

This year’s honoree, Ursula Reid, exemplifies the qualities the award aims to highlight. Reid, now in her second year of a Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, has earned accolades for her work ethic, passion, and genuine care for animals. Her journey began at Grassway Organics in Wisconsin, where she has been mentored by Chaz Self, the farm’s owner. Self’s admiration for Reid is clear: “Ursula is a leader and demonstrates compassion not only for animals, but for everyone she surrounds herself with.”

Reid’s apprenticeship is part of a broader movement to support sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Through the Dairy Grazing Alliance, she has gained hands-on experience in managed grazing, a practice she hopes to one day implement on her own farm. For now, she is focused on continuing her work with Grassway Organics and exploring new opportunities for growth. “My Apprenticeship with Grassway Organics — through the Dairy Grazing Alliance — is helping me build a great foundation that will take me in any direction I choose,” Reid shared, as reported by the Dairy Grazing Alliance.

Her ambitions don’t stop at the farm gate. Reid is currently in discussions with the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) about leading a series of heifer grazing projects that could potentially be funded by the organization’s Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG). These projects are designed to demonstrate and expand the environmental benefits of managed grazing, such as improved soil health and water quality. In addition, Reid is keen to participate in programs that offer payments to farmers for measurable environmental benefits, specifically through Wisconsin’s new Water Quality Trading Clearinghouse. This initiative aims to incentivize conservation practices that have a positive impact on local ecosystems.

Ashley Hughes, producer services manager for DGA and manager of the CIG project, praised Reid’s depth of knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. “It has been a pleasure getting to know Ursula through her interest in our CIG project. She has a strong understanding of grazing’s benefits and a great entrepreneurial mindset,” Hughes remarked. Such endorsements from industry leaders highlight the growing recognition of apprentices not just as learners, but as innovators and future leaders in their fields.

Reid’s journey has also inspired those who work closely with her. Kelsey Vance, an educational coordinator for Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, described Reid’s evolution with genuine affection: “She’s so easy to connect with — open, honest and always making us smile. She has grown into a strong independent female farmer, ready to take on the next challenge.” These words echo the sentiment shared by many in the sector: apprentices like Reid are redefining what it means to be a leader in agriculture and beyond.

The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards is more than just a ceremony—it’s a gathering of industry stakeholders, from established professionals to rising stars, all committed to advancing the standards of the motor and agricultural industries. Delphi’s sponsorship of the Apprentice of the Year Award is a clear signal of the company’s belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. The Delphi Academy, for instance, has become a cornerstone for those seeking to build a solid foundation in automotive repair and maintenance, offering access to world-class learning resources and practical workshops.

This focus on education and skills development is not unique to Delphi. Across the industry, there is a growing recognition that the future depends on nurturing talent from the ground up. Apprenticeships, once seen as a secondary route to professional success, are now celebrated as a vital pathway for developing the technical skills, critical thinking, and adaptability needed in a rapidly changing world. The success stories emerging from these programs—like that of Ursula Reid—are proof that investing in people pays dividends for entire industries.

As the date of the IMI Awards draws near, anticipation is building for a night that will not only honor individual achievement but also highlight the collective progress made in training and supporting the workforce of tomorrow. For Reid, the recognition is both a milestone and a springboard. With her eyes set on new challenges—whether leading innovative grazing projects, contributing to environmental sustainability, or eventually managing her own farm—she embodies the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and leadership that the Apprentice of the Year Award seeks to celebrate.

For Delphi, the sponsorship is more than a branding opportunity; it’s a reaffirmation of the company’s mission to support and elevate the next generation. As Aliya Lam so aptly put it, “Supporting their development and celebrating the achievements of the next generation of talent in the sector aligns perfectly with Delphi’s mission.” With apprentices like Reid at the forefront, the future of the industry—whether in the fields of Wisconsin or the workshops of London—looks brighter than ever.