ATA techs victorious in UK Top Technician contest
Three ATA accredited technicians have swept the board at the UK's Top Technician 2008 competition.
Following a gruelling contest of both practical and theoretical tests over the past few months organised by Aftermarket magazine, Mark Banks of Holmer Green Service Centre in High Wycombe has been crowned the UKs Top Technician, with runners-up Kim Doerr, of KD Auto Services in Flitwick, and Steve Martin, of Cooper BMW in Norwich, achieving the silver and bronze medal positions.
Said Mark Banks, "It's a dream come true. Top Technician has been a great experience for me. I've learned so much from being put under pressure in a competition environment and have met so many great people."
Mark picked up prizes worth more than £9,500 following his victory: a tax-free cash prize of £2,500, £1,000 to spend on Bosch product, a sports car driving day courtesy of Comma, a Vedis machine from Euro Car Parts, 50,000 points to spend on items in NGK's BoxClever collection and a SOLUS Pro scanner from Snap-on.
Mark said taking part in Top Technician had been a great experience both for him and his garage. "We put copies of Aftermarket in our reception with details of the competition in for our customers to read," said Mark.
"We're a village garage and know a lot of our customers," he continued. "A lot of people have been wishing me good luck. Top Technician has been brilliant for me as a technician."
Kim and Steve, who also picked up impressive prize packages including money and diagnostic equipment, also said Top Technician had been an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
"Taking part meant I learnt a lot as I went along," said Kim. "That's what this trade is all about; keeping on learning."
Technicians who would like to register their interest in Top Technician 2009 which launches in November, should visit www.toptechnician.co.uk