FIELD service engineer Tom March is set to fly the flag for Finning UK & Ireland in America next month after securing one of only 10 places in the final of the Caterpillar Global Dealer Technician Challenge (GDTC).
The competition is designed to showcase the skills of engineers working on Cat machines worldwide. Participants are tested on technical ability, resilience, customer focus, and continuous learning.
After making it through two regional qualifiers and the semi-final of the competition, Tom, who is based in Winsford, Cheshire, believes grit and determination has set him apart from competitors.
He said, “I’m extremely stubborn and when I come across a problem I won’t walk away, I’ll find a way. The competition has never been about a race to fix a machine. As well as being technically intensive, it’s been about demonstrating the whole package of skills that add the Caterpillar value for our customers.
“There is always potential for issues out on site and this competition has focused on how you might deal with ‘real world’ situations. I’ve learned a huge amount through taking part, whether it be getting up to speed with the latest technology and digital advancements, or just talking to other competitors doing the same job as me but out in South America or in Africa.
“For me, I try to communicate what we can do to solve an issue, not what we can’t. I always want to find a solution for the customer as well as for my own learning and curiosity, so we all benefit.”
Technicians from more than 40 different countries have taken part in the competition. For the final stage, Tom will fly to the US to take part in the final round of skill station assessments at Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration and Learning Centre in Peoria, Illinois before attending the CONEXPO trade event in Las Vegas where the winner will be announced.
Christina Pritchett, learning and development lead for engineering and technical at Finning UK & Ireland, said, “We are super proud of Tom and his achievements. Cat dealers globally are offering growing opportunities for technicians, and this competition is designed to inspire others in joining us in this career field, as well as celebrate the work of our technicians.”
