One of Dunedin's most driven automotive technicians is on his way to the finals of the Jaguar Land Rover World Technician of the Year award after winning the Asia Pacific award in Singapore recently.
Danny Churcher, who works for Armstrong Prestige Dunedin, said he was delighted with his success in Singapore, but equally excited about competing this week for the world title at the company's headquarters in Whitley, in England.
The 24-year-old's Dunedin colleagues say they are not surprised by his success because he is studious and passionate.
Mr Churcher will be up against more than 30 technicians from Jaguar Land Rover retailers around the world during the week-long final stage of the competition, and will have to demonstrate expertise in written and practical tests.
Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand general manager Steve Kenchington said competition was intense.
''They are tested individually on theory and have a practical assessment in front of the company's factory technical trainers.
"The technology coming through in new vehicles has evolved significantly over the past decade. This has placed more emphasis on their knowledge of electronic componentry.''
Mr Kenchington said it was important to recognise the success of New Zealand's skilled automotive technicians.
''The competition is a way we can help inspire the work of a future generation of technicians.
''As our vehicles become increasingly more sophisticated, we need to support the training and development of this sector of the economy.''
