Ayaz Khalid has won Nationwide Autocentre’s inaugural Apprentice of the Year competition.

Khalid, who works at the group’s Redditch centre, came top from a shortlist of 13 second and third year apprentices, chosen from a pool of 200.

he is currently studying for the third year of his apprenticeship programme.

Nationwide Autocentre’s apprentice training partner, Delphi, supplied its Leamington training facility as the location for the event, plus four lecturers to add to the judging panel.

Candidates were set a series of timed challenges, which varied depending on what year of the apprentice scheme they are currently training at. Challenges included stripping and rebuilding a gearbox and diagnosing a misfire.

The apprentices were assessed on areas including route and routine, health and safety and use of diagnostic tools.

Prizes included a complete Delphi DS100 diagnostic kit, alongside a host of tools and vouchers donated by Nationwide Autocentre.

Duncan Wilkes, chief executive, said: "Ayaz was a well deserved winner; he showed great flair for the job and it was clear he was performing well above the level he is currently at within the apprenticeship programme."