African Named Global Technician of the Year

By Bennett Oghifo

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa Technician of the Year winner, Jan Olivier, has been crowned the best Jaguar Land Rover technician in the world. Jan won the coveted award at Jaguar Land Rover’s global Technician of the Year competition, when top technicians from the company’s global markets gathered at the company’s Learning Academy in the UK to put their skills to the test.

The best of the best from retailers in 27 countries were put through a gruelling, three-day challenge to see who could demonstrate the best technical knowledge, skill and customer service.

Olivier, who is based at Land Rover North Western, in Upington, South Africa beat 45 of his fellow Jaguar Land Rover-trained technicians to be crowned Global Technician of the Year 2017. His grand prize consists of a trip for two to watch Panasonic Jaguar Racing compete in next year’s New York round of the Formula E World Championship, plus a personalised Snap-on toolbox.

Jan Olivier, Land Rover North Western, said: “The training I have had in this company really helped me in this process, I used all my skills and learning but never imagined I would win against such tough competition. Jaguar Land Rover is committed to supporting lifelong learning and the Learning Academy offers training to employees at all stages of their careers.”

Andy Goy, Global Learning and Development Director, Retailer Operations, said: “The Technicians working in our retailers worldwide are an integral part of our business, and this event celebrates their continuous hard work and amazing talent. We want to create experiences for our customers that they will love for life, and our technicians are key to delivering on this promise. It is with these kinds of events where we can truly celebrate their skills and dedication.”

The Global Technician of the Year award is open to Jaguar Land Rover technicians from across its network of 2,600 retailers in 130 countries. Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa, as well as the other global regions, hosts regional competitions for technicians, with winners competing at the global competition.

The South African and sub-Saharan Technician of the Year competitions are hosted at the Jaguar Land Rover South Africa Training Academy in Irene, South Africa. This is the same facility where all technicians in South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa receive training based on Jaguar Land Rover’s global training syllabus.

Additionally, retailers are required to have technicians who have achieved the highest level of Jaguar Land Rover qualifications, ensuring customers in all of Jaguar Land Rover’s sub-Sahara Africa markets receive world-class service and expertise.

Brian Hastie, Network Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa said: “We are beyond proud of Jan for his superb success in the Global Technician of the Year competition. He is proof that our facilities, training and talent are world-class.

He joins some of his colleagues, who have finished in the top three in the global competition in previous years – so our customers can be confident that their vehicles are being looked after by highly trained technicians.”

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