Colin Denton appointed head judge for Top Apprentice competition

Colin Denton, Chief Executive of the North London Garages Group Training Association, has been confirmed as head judge for Top Apprentice 2025, the newest addition to the acclaimed Top Awards series, which also includes Top Technician and Top Garage. Designed to spotlight and celebrate the next generation of automotive talent, Top Apprentice promises to be a major milestone in promoting skilled career pathways through apprenticeships.

Colin praised the competition as a timely and important boost for apprenticeships. “This isn’t just a standard skills contest, it’s apprentices going head-to-head, which we’ve never really seen in the UK before,” said Colin. “This is exactly what we need to drum-up excitement, not just for the apprentices themselves but for the employers and wider industry too.”

Open to level two and three apprentices across the UK, the competition begins with an online registration and a first-stage assessment. Shortlisted entrants then take part in a series of direct, one-on-one challenges that simulate real-world workshop scenarios, designed to assess technical ability, problem-solving and professional conduct.

The action culminates on 15 November at Delphi Academy in Warwick, where finalists will compete in a live head-to-head showdown alongside the Top Technician and Top Garage finalists. Later that evening, winners will be announced at a prestigious Top Awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Coventry, offering an unrivalled opportunity for recognition and career progression in the automotive industry.

Colin is passionate about helping apprentices unlock their potential, noting that talent is often held back by a lack of self-belief. “Loads of apprentices have the skills, they’ve got the talent, and the know-how, but confidence holds them back,” he said. “Sometimes all it takes is a bit of encouragement to show them what they’re really capable of, and that’s what Top Apprentice is all about.”

To those who may be unsure about entering, Colin offered words of encouragement: “It’s natural to feel nervous, but I’d say be brave, take that first step. We’re assessing both your academic knowledge and your hands-on ability, so it’s a real chance to show what you can do. You’ve got nothing to lose but recognition and real career opportunities to gain.”

Ryan Fuller, Managing Director of the Top Awards, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Colin Denton on board. His passion for training, deep industry insight, and genuine commitment to supporting young talent make him the perfect head judge. With Colin leading the panel, apprentices can be sure they’ll be assessed fairly, professionally and with their future development at heart.”