What are the rewards of your job? Money, sure – me too. But doesn’t recognition from our companies and our peers give us a sense of pride and accomplishment that money can’t buy?
Do you think shop technicians are any different? I don’t. And if you agree, here’s your chance to let them enjoy their pride in what they do.
The National Technician Skills Competition, also known as TMCSuperTech2005, will be held at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s fall meeting, Sept. 19-22, at the Valley Forge, Pa., Convention Plaza. Technicians will be able to compete for awards and prizes, and the nation’s top commercial vehicle technician will be determined through a variety of troubleshooting tests over a two-day period.
Organized by TMC’s Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC), TMCSuperTech2005 will showcase the skill and knowledge shown every day by trucking industry technicians. The competition is dedicated to honoring technician professionalism and acknowledging the best of the best.
Any technician employed in the trucking industry can register, or be registered, for the competition. They need to be TMC Technician members, but that’s no big deal, since the $75 entry fee buys a TMC Technician membership for a year. Technicians who already are TMC Technician members or verified champions of state technician skills contests can register free of charge.
Here’s how it’ll work: Contestants will compete in a challenge round, consisting of a one-hour, written, multiple-choice exam. Then, a maximum of 50 contestants will advance to compete in the Hands-On Skills Challenge. Certified grand champions from State Trucking Association contests will be included automatically in the challenge.
There, contestants will compete at eight stations, covering electrical, brakes, HVAC, engines, steering, preventive maintenance inspection, drivetrain and service information.
The TMCSuperTech2005 Grand Champion will receive an expense-paid trip of his or her choice to the 2006 Daytona 500, the Super Bowl or other equivalent package, plus additional prizes. Second- and third-place winners also will receive trophies and prizes. Individuals who place “Best in Skills” also will receive recognition.
