Harrow-based Fraikin technician James Walkling has jointly won the company’s Top Tech Challenge recognising excellence and expertise in employees.

Walkling (pictured) has worked at Fraikin’s Harrow branch for two years as a maintenance technician and was selected to compete in the final, held in Strasbourg, after winning a qualifying round between UK-based colleagues.

The competition is split into four categories – body specialist, crane, fridge specialist and mechanic – each designed to showcase the company’s highly-skilled pool of talent across its entire service network.

Walkling said: “The competition was a fantastic experience as it allowed me to pit my skills against some of the best technicians across the business.

"Winning my category was more than I expected, but it just goes to show the training I’ve received from Fraikin has put me in a good place to further develop my career.”

He took part in the mechanic category and was up against six technicians from Fraikin branches in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Spain.

Alongside his level two irtec accreditation, Walkling can call on 12 years’ experience in the industry, holds Class IV and VII MOT Vehicle Examiner status and is also currently working towards his HGV licence.

He was jointly awarded the top prize alongside Raphael Masiuk from Luxembourg. As well as receiving a trophy and special winners’ gift box, the pair will attend a driver’s day at the Circuit du Laquais in France in September.