Honda Awards Top Technicians And Apprentices

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – May 19, 2011: Jarred Davis of Dave Potter Honda (South Australia) and Harry Peppiatt from Burswood Honda (Western Australia) have been named Technician and Apprentice of the Year respectively.

Both won their segment in the annual, national competition, which is open to all Honda service technicians and apprentices throughout the country. It is an opportunity to showcase their skills, which are recognised and rewarded by Honda Australia.

Honda’s Technical Training Department devises three rounds of twenty questions using information from workshop manuals, training materials, diagnostic equipment and other technical information to test the knowledge and competency of its service technicians and apprentices. Service Managers from the finalist’s Dealerships were invited to officiate alongside staff from Honda’s Technical Training Department.

Prizes are awarded to those achieving the highest scores after rounds one and two to encourage their continued participation into round three.

The ten best are then selected and flown to Honda’s National Training Centre in Melbourne to compete in five exam modules – four practical skills and one theory exam – covering the latest technology in Honda vehicles.

The winners received a Toshiba ‘Qosmio’ laptop and accessories valued at $2,000 as well as a $300 Snap-On tool voucher.

This year, finalists enjoyed a dinner and presentation ceremony at the Bell City Event Centre in Melbourne, with special guests including Honda Australia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Satoshi Matsuzawa, Senior Director Mr. Lindsay Smalley and the Honda Rally Team, driver Eli Evans and co-driver Glen Weston.

“We are proud of the high standard that our Apprentices and Technicians have shown throughout this competition,” Mr. Matsuzawa said. “This ensures our customers receive the best service they can from their Honda Dealer. We wish to congratulate the winners and all the finalists who participated.”