This pressure cooker is not for me

Sept. 24, 2010
TMCSuperTech2010 challenges technicians' skills
I was one of those students who typically performed well in school but too often did not test well.  That is one of the reasons I was so impressed with the competitors - all 106 of them - at this year's TMCSuperTech2010.  The two-day event is designed expressly to showcase a technician's diagnostic and problem-solving skills though a series of troubleshooting tests and challenges - both written and hands-on.  Organized by Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), TMCSuperTech is held conjunction with TMC's annual Fall Meeting.  I am proud to note that Fleet Maintenance Magazine is a platinum-level sponsor of the TMC SuperTech.  The TMCSuperTech is touted as "North America's premier skills competition for professional commercial vehicle technicians," which only adds more pressure for the competitors.  One of the many things that is so inspiring to me about the competition is that the technicians who participate do so under very tight time constraints and under the close scrutiny of a large battery of judges. In addition, there are the many meeting attendees that come along to watch and take photos.  I had trouble focusing on a test in a classroom with only one judge (teacher), usually sitting at his desk reading or doing some other activity rather than eagle-eyeing the class' every move.  I tip my hat top each and every TMCSuperTech competitor and their accomplishments.  Interestingly, there were no women technicians competing in this year's event.  From what I have been told by some maintenance managers, women technicians are more organized, detailed and proficient than their male counterparts.  Granted, vehicles technicians are overwhelmingly male. And in general, minorities usually take some "abuse" and razing from those in the majority.  Could it be that no women participated in this year's TMCSuperTech so as not to bring more "attention" to themselves?  I welcome your thoughts and comments. 

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