36 TECHNICIANS CAME TOGETHER TO PUT SKILLS TO THE TEST AS PROFESSION CONTINUES TO ADAPT TO EVER-CHANGING INDUSTRY

THE SYTNER GROUP SHINES LIGHT ON IMPORTANCE OF REWARDING TALENT IN TODAY’S INDUSTRY AT ELITE TECHNICIANS FINAL 2019

The mobility landscape is evolving rapidly, and with this comes the requirement for technicians to learn new skills. Sytner – the UK’s leading Motor Group, recognises that in an industry facing a talent pool challenge, it is imperative to nurture, retain and build technician expertise.

As part of an ongoing commitment to industry-leading career development, the company hosted the final of its 2019 Elite Technician competition last week (13th March) to recognise and reward outstanding performance.

This year’s edition marked the highest participation rate to date, with over 500 entrants being whittled down to a group of 36 of the highest scoring technicians from across the network of Sytner’s manufacturers.  Taking place at Stoneleigh Park venue in Warwickshire, the final event was the ever-anticipated Practical Challenge.

Working against the clock, the finalists had just 90 minutes to identify and diagnose a variety of real-world failures in vehicles rigged with exterior, interior and engine faults. Following diagnoses, competitors had to record and submit a video describing all faults and the required solutions.

The event was carried out under the supervision of technical inspectors from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and enjoyed primary sponsorship from Shell Helix Motor Oils, with Pirelli and CitNOW also providing support.

IMI CEO, Steve Nash said,

“The talent on display at this competition has again been an absolute pleasure to witness. The dedication to expertise from these technicians is a fantastic example of how initiatives such as the Elite Technician Challenge that place emphasis on valuing staff can have such a positive effect on employees. I am immensely proud that the IMI was involved in this.”.

With a once in a lifetime prize of an all-expenses paid VIP trip to the Detroit Grand Prix at stake, the excitement in the room was palpable as finalists awaited the IMI judges to review and validate the scores before the overall winner from each of the competing brands was announced.

Congratulating the winners, Melvin Rogers, Director of Human Resources at Sytner Group commented:

“Our skilled technicians are a key factor in our future success and initiatives like this not only recognise our top performers but also really set us apart from our competitors”.

Britt Burnett, General Manager Marketing and Technical Europe, Shell commented,

“We are proud to once again be working with Sytner on their Elite Technician Challenge as we believe it exemplifies the commitment to talent acquisition and retention in the industry that we are so passionate about. In an ever-changing world of mobility, this kind of attention to – and rewarding of – best-practice will be key to unlocking progress in the industry.”