Mitsubishi’s top technician, service advisor

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) recently named two Queensland dealership employees as the Japanese brand’s top technician and service advisor for 2011 in its 12th annual ‘Service Skills Program’.

A former winner, Rod Howes from Blue Ribbon Mitsubishi in Ipswich brought home the 2011 Technician of the Year award after preliminary testing, regional qualifying and a national final for the comprehensive program, which attracted 579 technicians last year from dealerships across Australia.

Other finalists, all of whom faced five practical tests on vehicles and engines across the Mitsubishi range at the company’s South Australian head office, were: Zivko Dukleski, Parramatta Mitsubishi, Camellia, NSW Ryan Kilby, Berwick Mitsubishi, Berwick, Vic Nathan Kadow, Southland Mitsubishi, Goodwood, SA and Joe Federico, John Hughes Mitsubishi, Victoria Park, WA.

“The other competitors were great, so it was tough going especially dealing with the extra pressure of time limits to complete each section,” said Mr Howes.

Meanwhile, Carla Smith from Len Patti Mitsubishi in Toowoomba took out back-to-back Service Advisor of the Year titles, securing the 2011 award after completing a series of rigorous role-play scenarios from four other finalists. In all, 264 service advisors entered the 2011 program.

The other finalists were: Jessica Hankinson, McIlroy Mitsubishi, Victor Harbor, SA Tim Standing, Kloster Mitsubishi, Newcastle, NSW and another Berwick Mitsubishi staff member, Shane Thomson.

“It was good to compete again this year although it’s always hard to perform your best under pressure and in a different environment,” Ms Smith said.

MMAL national service manager David Budden said: “All contestants performed to the highest standard and showed great knowledge in their respective fields.

“This competition allows individual technicians and service advisors to improve their diagnostic and customer service skills, while recognising those who strive to reach their maximum potential.”

MMAL says the annual program, which was first held in 1999, plays a role in increasing customer satisfaction, reducing warranty costs, improving product knowledge for staff and encouraging efficient work practices across the brand’s 200-plus Australian dealers.