TMCSuperTech2015 marks the 11th anniversary of the TMC’s National Technician Skills Competition – an event designed to determine the industry’s top technicians through a variety of troubleshooting tests over a two-day event.
There are six steps to getting technicians involved in TMCSuperTech2015.
STEP 1 - REGISTER
Any commercial vehicle technician employed in the trucking industry may register for TMCSuperTech. The entry fee for TMC technician members is $250. For non-member technicians, the fee is $325, which also includes TMC technician membership for the balance of 2015.
The entry fee is waived for verified champions of 2015 state trucking association technician skills contests. These technicians skip the pre-qualification tests and are automatically included in the finals.
STEP 2 - ATTEND
The TMCSuperTech is held in conjunction with the annual TMC Fall Meeting. This year’s meeting – themed Maintenance Today, Profit Tomorrow – will take place in Orlando, Fla., Monday through Thursday, Sept. 21 to 24, at the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort. (See article elsewhere this issue.)
Upon checking in for the competition, registrants will receive their TMCSuperTech credentials and be asked to attend a special orientation for competitors.
STEP 3 - PRE-QUALIFY
On the evening of Sunday, Sept. 20, TMCSuperTech2015 competitors will participate in the qualifying written exams. Then on Monday, Sept. 21, the competitors will take on one another in a qualifying challenge round of a series of hands-on skill tests.
STEP 4 - GATHER
The TMCSuperTech2015 Reception will be held in the evening following the pre-qualification testing. It is at this time that the names of the competitors who will move on to the finals – the Hands-On Skills Challenge – on Tuesday, Sept. 22, are announced.
All finalists will receive a special prize package.
STEP 5 - COMPETE
The Hands-On Skills Challenge takes place on Tuesday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Qualifying competitors will compete in a series of 14 stations, covering the following diagnostic skill areas:
- 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.
- Spectators are welcome on the competition floor.
STEP 6 - RECOGNIZE
The winners of the competition will be announced, and trophies and prizes will be presented, during the TMCSuperTech2015 Industry Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Awards 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 of the Hands-On Skills stations.
The technician who earns first place is declared the TMCSuperTech Grand Champion and receives an expense-paid trip to the 2015 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 place and third place winners also will receive trophies and valuable prizes. The technicians who place Best in Skills Category will receive special prizes.
