The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) is once again looking for the industry’s best technicians. Think you know someone that’s up to the challenge? If they have what it takes to place their diagnostic and problem solving skills up against trucking’s best of the best, then they should be a part of TMCSuperTech2016.
If you know an up-and-coming student technician that really shines, encourage them to compete in TMCFutureTech2016 – the National Student Technician Competition.
Built for professionals, TMCSuperTech2016 marks the 12th anniversary of the National Technician Skills Competition – an event designed to determine the industry’s top technicians through a variety of troubleshooting tests and skills challenges.
Organized by TMC’s Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC), the national TMCSuperTech competition recognizes truck technicians and promotes the career opportunities for this important industry role. The competition showcases the skill and knowledge of trucking industry technicians and increases the visibility of available career opportunities.
“Given the pace of technological change, being a heavy truck technician is truly one of the most challenging and skilled jobs in our economy,” says Carl Kirk, executive director, TMC. “The knowledge base that these folks have to master is truly amazing. It’s entirely appropriate that TMC honors the best of the best of our industry.”
Comprised of a broad collection of experienced fleets, equipment suppliers and service providers, TMC (www.trucking.org/Technology_Council.aspx) is the only industry association that is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance. Using their real world experience, members work together to create the industry’s best practices in truck technology and maintenance to help improve trucking equipment and transportation efficiencies throughout North America.
TMC is a technical council of American Trucking Associations (www.trucking.org) – the largest national trade association for the trucking industry.
Eric Vos of FedEx Freight was named TMCSuperTech2015 National Technicians Skills Competition Grand Champion. FedEx Freight technicians Brian Blevins and Josh Nordick placed second and third, respectively.
EXPANDED QUALIFYING ROUND
This year’s TMCSuperTech features an expanded qualifying round which includes, not only a written test, but also a series of hands-on skills challenges just like those featured in the final TMCSuperTech Hands-On Skills Challenge.
This year, the contestant orientation and written qualifying test will start on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 6 PM. Qualifying rounds will be held Monday, Sept. 19 from 8 AM to 4 PM.
The Hands-On Skills Challenge Final Rounds will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Here is how to get involved inTMCSuperTech2016:
Step 1 - Register
Any technician employed in the trucking industry may register for TMC’s National Technician Skills Competition. The entry fee for TMC technician members is $250. The entry fee for non-member technicians is $350, and that includes TMC technician membership for the balance of 2016.
The entry fee is waived for verified champions of 2016 state trucking association technician skills contests.
More than 25 state organizations hold competitions at the state level. If your state trucking association or company is interested in holding its own preliminary SuperTech-styled event as a means of selecting finalists for the TMCSuperTech, refer to TMC’s How to Conduct a Technician Skills Competition brochure. It can be downloaded at http://tmc.trucking.org. A short video about the TMCSuperTech also can be viewed there.
Step 2 - Come to Raleigh
TMCSuperTech2016, held in conjunction with TMC’s 2016 Fall Meeting, will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C., Sept 18 to 21. Competitors should plan to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 18 to receive their TMCSuperTech credentials, attend the contestant orientation and take the qualifying written test.
Step 3 - Compete in the qualifying rounds
All contestants will compete in qualifying rounds on Monday, Sept. 19. These consist of several hands-on skills pre-qualification tests.
There will be a total of 12 skills stations in Monday’s qualifying round. Each station, featuring table-top equipment mock-ups, will be divided into 10 substations. Each station rotation will last 25 minutes.
The 12 stations will be:
1. Lighting.
2. Fasteners.
3. RP (Recommended Practice) Manual.
4. Electrical Diagrams.
5. CSA Compliance.
6. Electrical.
7. Safety & Environmental.
8. Wheel End.
9. Torque.
10. Precision Measuring.
11. Coolants/DEF.
12. CNG Safety.
Step 4 - Attend the TMCSuperTech2016 Reception
After the qualifying rounds, it’s off to the TMCSuperTech2016 Reception, at which the names of the contestants who will compete in the finals on Tuesday, Sept. 20 are announced.
A maximum number of contestants (the limit is tentative, subject to change, depending on available resources) will advance to compete in Tuesday’s Hands-On Skills Challenge.
Certified grand champions from state trucking association contests will be included in the Hands-On Skills Challenge automatically.
Step 5 - Compete in the finals
On Tuesday from 8 AM to 4 PM, qualifying contestants will compete in a series of stations, covering the following diagnostic skills areas. (The final list of skill stations is subject to change.)
- Electrical/Electronics.
- Brakes.
- Starting and Charging.
- Tires and Wheels.
- Wheel Ends.
- Vehicle Control Systems.
- Engine (Hardware).
- Engine (Electronics).
- Steering/Suspension.
- PMI (pre-trip maintenance inspection).
- Drivetrain.
- Service Information.
- Fifth Wheel.
- HVAC.
Lunch will be provided for all contestants, judges and other registered guests. Spectators are welcome on the competition floor.
Step 6 - Attend the training fair and awards luncheon
The PTDC Training Fair will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 21. PTDC is a group within TMC established to promote and enhance the professionalism of commercial vehicle technicians.
The winners of the TMCFutureTech and TMCSuperTech will be announced and trophies and prizes will be presented during TMC Industry Awards Luncheon, also being held on Sept. 21. Awards for both competitions will be given for first, second and third best in the overall competition. Winners also will be named for those receiving the best score at each skills station.
The TMCSuperTech Grand Champion will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2017 Daytona 500, plus other prizes. The winner also will be presented with a special trophy and his or her name will appear on the TMCSuperTech Grand Champion Banner that is displayed at every TMC meeting.
Second and third place TMCSuperTech winners also will receive trophies and valuable prizes. Individuals who place Best in Skills Category will receive a special prize as well.
For more information, visit http://tmc.trucking.org or call 703-838-1763.
Robert Braswell is the technical director of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), North America’s premier technical society for truck equipment technology and maintenance professionals. He also serves as the community manager for TMC Connect, the organization’s social networking and collaborative work platform.
