June 2019

JUNE 2019 AFTERMARKET 27 www.toptechnicianonline.co.uk Northern Ireland. Those who came from England were from every part of the country too, spread as far afield as Cornwall, Sheffield, Merseyside and everywhere between. They all had one thing in common though. They were all passionate about repairing cars, and had worked very hard in their careers overall and within the Top Technician competition to reach the top 10. Tasks Between tasks, Aftermarket was able to get a few words from those taking part. Andrew Ruellan said: "Times goes quick doesn’t it? At work you know where everything is, not like here. It is about getting your head around it, and past the nerves." Neil Currie commented: "The first one is the hardest, then you get back into it. On task two there was one bit that made me scratch my head for a minute, but I managed to get through it. On task three I knew what I would have done next but I didn’t have the time. 20 minutes is sometimes not enough." Craig Hewison observed: "On the first task you don’t know what to expect. Your brain does not work properly! You are out of your comfort zone. Once I got the first one out the way I was okay. On the second task I was better. The third one surprised me, I thought it would be obvious." Gary Brillus mused: "You get to the semi final and then the pressure is on. I have entered since 2015. I got to the third round in 2016, but the test then was very complicated. After I finish each task I have all the questions buzzing in my head – if that was that, then that was that." Time is a factor, as we keep saying, and Gary agreed: "If you have a problem at work you might spend a few hours looking at something." Dean Andrew said: "Once you get past the first test, all the adrenaline is out of the way. This is the first year I have entered properly. I got to the top 20 last year." Declan Robinson was circumspect: "It is only fixing cars - it is all nuts and bolts." After a few tasks he added: "It ends up going pretty well, when the process kicks in." Adam Critchley was one of the most vocal about the intimidation factor the Prius represented: "I was saying this morning 'I hope there is not a Prius'. Then I got here and they said there was a Prius and I said 'damn'. Then it was my first task!" He added at the end: "I got to the top 20 three years ago. It is the first time in the semi final. I am glad I did it. It is certainly an experience." Dave Weston added, smiling, "I hate this tension! I come back every year! Why do I do this?" He knows why: "It is good fun, I love it. This year I thought I would scratch up and do more training. You never know everything but it is good to learn." Debrief After the five tests were completed, the contestants were debriefed, and the tests were explained to them. Some were very complicated, and some were deceptively simple. All were surprised by something. Ian Gillgrass commented: "Well done to everyone. 20 minutes is not long to fix a car. The semi final can be tougher than the final." Matthew Eeles was very impressed with what those taking part did on his task: "Everyone came to the same conclusion, but got there in different ways." John Batten said: "It is a tough one to do in 20 minutes. However, if you use your process properly you will go far. When I fix a car, I use the same 15 steps. Every car should be approached using the same process." Glenn Cutter had some words of wisdom: "It seems easy, but it is not. You factor in a 20 minutes timescale, a customer asking your questions, it is designed to make you not finish. The standard is getting better every year, and to pick up on so many things in 20 minutes – wow." Ian concluded: "Well done everyone." Top Technician finalists 2019 While everyone did fantastically well, only five could go through to the final. These are the finalists for Top Technician 2019, who will be at the RMI Academy of Skills in Southam for the final on Saturday 22 June. Dean Andrew: DNA Vehicle Services, Bodmin Adam Critchley: AC Autotech, Birkenhead Neil Currie: Robertson Gemini, Dumfries & Galloway Declan Robinson: Philips Volkswagen, Lisburn Dave Weston: Snows Kia, Guildford They will be competing in the in the final on Saturday 22 June at the RMI Academy of Skills in Southam. Best of luck to all, and thanks to everyone else who took part over the last few months. Turn to page 28 for all the information on what to expect as both competitions enter the endgame. You will also find details on the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Dinner 2019, what will be happening and how to book your place. Top Technician and Top Garage are not over yet for this year, and there is still time for you to be part of it too. www.toptechnicianonline.co.uk If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Claire Hodder to discuss on 01732 370 349 In association with: Gala dinner reception drinks sponsored by: