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Subaru's top technicians tackle toughest competition of the year (717)

Nine top technicians from Subaru’s national network have competed against each other in the challenging annual Australian Technical Competition (ATC).

Held at the Subaru Academy in Sydney, ATC determined the finalist who will compete in the Subaru World Technical Competition (SWTC) in Japan in November 2017. 

John Venables-Kyrke, from Subaru Osborne Park, Western Australia, proudly took home the title of Australian Technician 2017 followed by Matthew Moller from Subaru Penrith, New South Wales in second place and Dave Rapley from Bathurst Subaru, NSW in third place. It is John’s second consecutive award-winning year. 

John said: “I was up against tough competition with the nation’s top technicians so it is truly an honour to receive this award. It was a lot more challenging this time around and I’m so proud to have backed it up again after last year’s win. I’m excited to represent Australia in the SWTC and hopefully I can bring home another trophy.” 

The technicians were put through a series of tough scenarios to showcase their skills and knowledge over the course of two days, which included:

• A one hour written examination
• On-car fault diagnosis
• Off-car data analysis
• Off-car electrical diagnosis

The assessments pushed technicians to their limit under immense pressure, testing their thinking and behaviour. 

Subaru Australia National Training and Network Engagement Manager, Gary Pearce said: “The competition was extremely close, with only five points separating the top five placings. At the end of the competition, there were only two and-a-half points between the top three place-getters.” 

At a presentation dinner, Subaru Australia’s National Service and Parts Operations Manager, Sam Hill, awarded the trophies, including the Gary Matthews perpetual trophy for the winner. Gary Matthews was the first representative for Australia at the SWTC in 2005, however, sadly passed away a few years ago, and the trophy is named in his honour. 

John will be put through an intensive preparation program in the lead up to the SWTC in November, and will be supported at the competition by Subaru Australia’s Technical Team Leader Ben Grover. 

A huge congratulations to all the participants in the ATC and a special thanks to all the staff assisting with the event. We wish John all the best in the SWTC.