Toyota honours its top apprentices

The skills of Toyota and Lexus apprentices from across the country have been put to the test in the 2006 Toyota Apprentice of the Year Competition. The two-day event took place at the Toyota Academy in Nottingham on 27 and 28 July, with 24 entrants vying for top honours.

The contest featured categories for vehicle technicians, parts advisors and body and paint technicians, giving apprentices in the first, second and third year of their courses the chance to demonstrate talents specific to their different workshop disciplines. The final 24 were selected according to their course results and practical work assessments during the past year.

On day one the programme comprised team building challenges, while day two began with a morning of intensive practical skills tests and written exams followed by an afternoon of team activities at the National Water Sports Centre at nearby Holme Pierrepont.

This year’s champions were Vehicle Technician Champion Anthony Waygood of Dingles Toyota Attleborough, Champion Parts Advisor was Steven Kewin of Lindop Bros Queensferry and Chris Whiteside of Bentleys Warrington, was named Champion Body and Paint Technician.

The trophies and prizes were presented at a celebration dinner by Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry. Thanks to sponsorship from Panasonic UK, the winning team all received a car audio head unit, the year category winners each received a Panasonic digital camera and the overall champions a state of the art car audio system.

Carter & Carter will be taking the winners for a day out at Derby County football club.