Top Awards news 6 For the technicians still in the running to be crowned Top Technician 2026, the next stop is the semi-final on 3 October at the Delphi Training Academy in Warwick. Reaching this point is an achievement in itself. The competition is designed to test entrants against some of the best people in the trade, and this year’s final ten have already come through several rounds to earn their place. So, congratulations to the 2026 Top Technician semi-finalists: Gary Brown (Arnold Clark), Brian Franklin (Franklin’s Autos Ltd), John Fountain, John Hall (John Hall Auto Electrician), David Harris, Nathan Jacobs (Snows Kia), James Leach (Diagnostic Specialists Wiltshire), Bryan Swales (Bryan Swales Auto Repairs), Kristopher Williams (Fords of Winsford), and Gordon Wright (Lamborghini). There won’t be much time for them to enjoy the achievement before the next challenge begins. At the semi-final, each technician will tackle five 20-minute live fault-finding tasks designed to test diagnostic ability, technical knowledge and the ability to keep thinking when the pressure is on. And they shouldn’t expect the everyday faults they see coming through the workshop door. The challenges are deliberately unpredictable, giving the judges the opportunity to see how competitors adapt, make decisions and work through problems that may take them outside their usual experience. Good luck to all ten. Getting this far already puts you among some excellent company – now it’s time to see who can make that final step. A fitting place to put skills to the test The semi-finals take place at the same venue that will host the 2026 Top Awards Finals on Saturday 14 November: the Delphi Training Academy in Warwick. Delphi has supported the competition with its venue, vehicles and judges since 2022, and the Academy is well suited to putting technicians through their paces. It offers more than 9,000sq ft of training space, with more than 15 modern vehicles covering a range of powertrains and systems, seven vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment, tooling and tyre-fitting facilities. Aliya Lam, Country Director UK at PHINIA, said the Academy’s focus on practical learning makes hosting the competition particularly appropriate. “Hosting the Top Awards finals at the Delphi Training Academy is a real privilege for us,” said Aliya. “The competition represents everything we believe in at Delphi – technical excellence, continuous learning and giving technicians the opportunity to demonstrate what they can achieve.” Those who make it through the semifinal will return to the Delphi Training Academy in November, when the Top Technician finalists face a series of 50-minute live fault-finding challenges. Top Apprentice finalists will also tackle practical challenges, while the Top Garage finalists will present their businesses to an expert judging panel. The finalists in these two categories are due to be confirmed shortly. We’ll introduce the full line-up in the next Top Awards glory is within reach The finishing line is getting closer for the 2026 Aftermarket Top Awards, and after months of questions, assessments and challenges, the competition is getting serious.
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