Volvo Construction Equipment’s (CE) Masters Competition saw an expansion in its latest edition, with 3,235 technicians applying from across the world, causing the equipment giant to expand the number of teams allowed to compete from eight to 10 for the first time in its 30-year history.
Three years long in duration but started again every two, the Masters Competition sees teams of technicians compete in challenges designed to test their knowledge and skills, and whittles them down to a team of just three victors, explained Volvo CE.
The competition is organised by Hans-Juergen Salau, Volvo CE global manager, technical training, and Jan Fogelberg, manager, technical training, and has grown to accommodate both an increasing number of entrants and the company’s expanding product lines, said Volvo CE. The high number of entries this year were mainly from the Europe, Asia Pacific, Americas and China regions, the company added.
A highlight of this year’s competition was a former winner’s daughter making it through to the final and Volvo called it a “a testament to its heritage” that the children of past competitors are now taking part in the competition themselves.
The competition is open to all technicians in Volvo CE’s worldwide dealerships and puts teams through a series of practical and theoretical tasks, each of which need to be completed within a one-hour time limit.
Organised in rounds, the competition starts from the dealer level through to regional heats and culminates in a global final. Tasks range from maintenance challenges on a Volvo EC220E crawler excavator to fixing faults on a Volvo SD160B soil compactor. Contestants are judged on a scale of performance, knowledge, skills and the proper handling of tools, as well as their ability to work as a team.
“Not only does the contest identify the best of the best, but it also boosts the reputation of hard-working dealers everywhere and shows just how much skill is needed to deliver a world-class service to our customers,” said Hans-Juergen.
Launched in 1990, the Masters Competition was envisaged to be a new way to bring to light the talents of individual parts and services technicians working across Volvo CE’s dealer network. According to Volvo, the competition will grow again next year with the inclusion of the brand’s electric machines in the challenges.