The skills of Toyota and Lexus apprentices have been put to the test in the 2005 Toyota Apprentice of the Year Competition.

The two-day event took place at the Toyota Academy in Nottingham, with 24 entrants.

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.

Richard Docherty of Lexus Leicester was the champion vehicle technician, taking the award for the third successive year and also picking up the top place among third year contestants.

Champion parts advisor was Ashley Clarke, of Pentagon Doncaster, and Robert Hunnebell, of Mandale Bodyshop, Keighley, was named champion body and paint technician. Their trophies were presented at a celebration dinner by Sarah Sillars, chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry. Thanks to sponsorship from Sony UK, the year category winners each received a personal audio system and the overall champions a home theatre package.