Ryder celebrates skilled technicians at Top Tech competition

Ryder has recognised Jim Ryan as its Top Technician in its annual Top Tech competition.

The independent commercial vehicle provider celebrates the expertise of its technician annually, with 100 entering the competition this year.

After two tough rounds of online evaluations, a total of six Technicians made it through to the Grand Final.

The final stage of the competition featured six 45-minute challenges to test the Technicians’ hands-on, practical skills, and included a full brake pipe test, suspension fault, an engine non-start and a preventative maintenance inspection.

This year’s competition was hosted by Stephenson College, the home of the Ryder Apprentice Programme, and supported by diagnostics partner Eclipse, with sponsors, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and DAF, providing two of the vehicles that were used throughout the competition

As the Technicians went through each timed task, they were scored against set criteria that included Ryder’s comprehensive Health and Safety measures, and were closely adjudicated by a team of assessors consisting of Ryder experts and representatives from sponsors Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Bridgestone, DAF, and Iveco.

Ryan (pictured) said: "I’m absolutely gobsmacked to have won, I wasn’t expecting it all - I feel so proud. This competition is the perfect way to prove what you can do, and I’ve done that. I’m just blown away."

He was rewarded with a £2,000 cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip with a guest to watch the Ryder Top Tech Recognition Program for North America live final in San Antonio, Texas.

Runner-up Josh Cuerden received a £500 cash prize. He joined Ryder as an Apprentice Technician and graduated from the Ryder Apprenticeship Programme in 2016. The remaining four finalists from the Ryder Park Royal and Edinburgh locations were each awarded a cash prize worth £250. All six finalists were also the proud recipients of a selection of branded items donated by the sponsors.

David Hunt, VP and MD, FMS Europe for Ryder, said: "It’s great to be hosting our second UK Top Tech competition where the people behind our vehicle maintenance are able to showcase their great achievements each and every day. This trophy embodies the passion and dedication Jim has shown, and he is well deserving of this accolade."