James George, a Hyundai expert level technician from West Auckland Hyundai, will represent New Zealand at Hyundai’s 13th World Skills Competition being held in Seoul, South Korea in the week October 14-17. He will compete against the best Hyundai technicians from around the world, with more than 130 set to take part.
James finished first at Hyundai New Zealand’s Top Technician final against five other contestants held at Hyundai New Zealand’s National Training Centre on July 26.
Nicolas Curle, from Farmer Hyundai in Tauranga, placed second, and Wattie Suematsu from McVerry Crawford Palmerston North third, while other finalists were Campbell Parlour and Todd Cullen, both from Hyundai Northland, and Mark Lancaster, West Auckland Hyundai.
To be eligible for the finals, technicians from Hyundai dealerships across New Zealand completed a series of three written tests over the course of three months. They needed to have widespread knowledge of the Hyundai brand, Hyundai product and diagnostic skills theory.  The top six were then invited to compete in the final, held at Hyundai New Zealand’s National Training Centre.
For the all-day final, the six contestants had to work through four separate real-world tasks. They were scored on a range of areas which included their diagnostic process, understanding of vehicle systems, use of Hyundai diagnostic equipment, and effective use of the workshop repair and wiring manuals. They were also scored on general housekeeping of the working area and the care taken while working on the vehicle. In addition, there was an engine component disassembly and reassembly, and finally a 25 question test paper. Each task had a set time of 45 minutes to complete, with a 15 minute reset and break in between.
They had the support of their respective service managers during the day, while the technician’s partners were off-site for a day of pampering to recognise the supportive role they play.
Said Trisha Stewart, service manager at West Auckland Hyundai: “We are very proud of James’ success in the competition. James is a dedicated technician who is driven to constant growth and development in his position. This is just the beginning for him, and we are excited to see what the future will bring. We wish him all the best representing NZ in Korea.”
Hyundai New Zealand GM Andy Sinclair added: “Not only were these technicians working against the clock, they had five judges watching every move they made, truly putting them in a high pressure environment and all of the finalists performed incredibly well.  At Hyundai we are dedicated to providing the best level of service, and the performance of these technicians proves we have terrific talent in the team. We are 110 percent behind James’s upcoming trip and are delighted New Zealand will be represented by an outstanding technician.
And the last word from James: “This was my second time competing in the Top Technician competition. Having learnt so much from last time, I was hopeful to at least retain my second place. I knew that I was up against stiff competition, people that have massive knowledge and dedication to the Hyundai brand.
“I am thrilled to travel to South Korea, the home of Hyundai, to compete against some of the best techs the world has to offer.”