Yamaha awards top technician for 2011

This years event was even more challenging than ever,  designed to test the theoretical knowledge of all competiors as well as  their practical ability in high pressure situations. Ryan’s win is a  great result for Yatala Yamaha, a family owned and run business that  prides itself on exceptional technical ability backed up by years of  industry knowledge and experience.

Yamaha began its search for  Australia and New Zealand’s top technician earlier in the year with over  100 technicians completing the entry exam. From this the field was  narrowed down to just 8 competitors who were invited to compete for the  title at Yamaha’s Marine HQ in Brisbane. This was the first Marine  Technician GP to be held at Yamaha’s purpose built marine facilities on  the Brisbane River. The venue provided more flexibility to indroduce new  and varied challenges to the GP.

This years assessments varied  from a theory exam using wireless interactive key pads to a water  practical test using a laptop computer and Yamaha’s diagnostic software,  but by far the most challenging in this years event was the customer  service task.  Contestants were first confronted with a customer who had  his holiday interrupted due to his outboard stopping only to be told  there were potentially further delays in the repair. This discussion was  then interrupted by a phone call with another customer issue, then  another somewhat agitated customer steps into the office to complain  about his repair bill.  This scenario certainly tested each competitor’s  skills in customer relations and ability to workout satisfactory  solutions to difficult problems in a high pressure situation.

Throughout  the day there were several standout performers in different areas of  the competition. Brendan Irvine of Streaker Boats in Victoria  demonstrated exceptional hands on skill in the engine analytics and  assembly task. Chris Wilson from Pitmans Marine in SA shone out in the  areas of engine troubleshooting and David Kranz from Waikerie Motorcycle  and Marine in SA displayed his exceptional knowledge in the theory  section.
With the event approaching completion the competition  was still very close. Michael Finlay from In and Outboard Marine in NT  put in a strong all round performance to push Ryan Zell all the way to  the finish line. Michael is now a Tech GP veteran and with victory just  slipping away from him this year, Yamaha looks forward to seeing him  back in future competitions.

At the end of the day there can  only be one winner and in this years event Ryan Zell proved to be too  strong for the competition. Ryan’s ability to approach each task with a cool head ensured the pressure of the competition did not impede his  judgement. His supreme all round performance saw him take out the title  in impressive fashion.

Yamaha congratulates all competitors who  took part in this year competition and hopes the experience gained  helps them in future challenges and hopes the example these excellent  technicians set helps to raises the standard of technical service in  Australia and New Zealand across the board.
More details can be  found at www.yamaha-motor.com.au.