The finalists of the 2006 Top Technician award will be announced on March 24. The live final will be held at the Automotive Trade Show (April 25-27, NEC Birmingham).

Out of 500 technicians, just 36 were invited to attend the semi finals at three regional Automotiove Technician Accreditation approved test centres in Croydon, Hinckley and Manchester.

The top 36 came from all types of service and repair businesses, from mobile repairers and independent workshops to garages from the Bosch Service Centre network and franchised dealerships.

Top Technician 2006 sponsors are Automotive Skills, Bosch, LUK and Vauxhall Trade Club. Technical partner is MototeK and the competition is supported by the Automotive Trade Show, Garage Equipment Association, Institute of the Motor Industry and Retail Motor Industry Federation. Nominations for Top Technician 2007 can be made via www.toptechnician.co.uk.