September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 AFTERMARKET 23 www.aftermarketonline.net great standard of Kia technicians we have across the UK. “There are no days off when you’re chasing your goals and I plan to continue representing Kia for as long as possible, inspiring the Kia family from Apprentice to Manager and being part of the ‘Movement that inspires’.” Dave continued: “Lots of hard work has gone into it, from Top Technician many years ago, getting to the semi- finals, then the finals twice, the semi-finals again, and doing lots of training in between. That includes through the IMI, as well as Technical Topics with the EV Level 4 training. There was also training with Andy Savva, which was part of the Master Tech I did with Technical Topics. It has all held me in good stead and given me confidence and knowledge and it has gotten me where I am now. The proof in the pudding of all of it is that I have won. I can say I am champion of the world, which is definitely an accolade. Would being Kia EV champion of the world hold him in good stead for Top Technician this year? “Everything is aligned,” observed Dave. It’s my 40th birthday this year, and I am in the Top Technician semi-final again. You have to push yourself, put your head up to be measured and ask ‘how good am I? How good could I be?’ Every time, with all the CPD that I do, it’s one extra tick in that box to say ‘yes I can do this’. The support network I have gained through Top Technician is phenomenal. There are people that I don’t think I would ever have met were it not for going into Top Technician. Now I can call them my friends, and it’s great.” Next steps While Dave has Kia’s Gold medal in his grasp, Top Technician for this year is far from over. As Aftermarket’s September issue went to press, five additional contestants had joined the 10 semi-finalists in place since last year. They will be battling it out at In Town Automotive in Northampton on Saturday 4 September. 10 of these will be knocked out, with the remaining five heading for the final on Saturday 9 October, also being held at the same venue. On the same day, a host of garages will be meeting the judges, including David Massey, Andy Savva and many others. Businesses will compete in these categories: Businesses with 1-3 staff Businesses with 4-6 staff Businesses with 7-9 staff Businesses with 10-plus staff Later that evening the winners will be announced at the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Evening, which is being held at the Jurys Inn Milton Keynes. The winners from both competitions will be in line to get their hands on the prize booty, worth up to £30,000 in kit and gear. Further information Make sure you keep an eye on www.aftermarketonline.net as well as Aftermarket magazine and Aftermarket’s fortnightly newsletter for updates. Top Technician and Top Garage are sponsored by Snap- on, Varta, TechMan, Motul, Philips and LKQ Euro Car Parts, and come to you in association with ABC Awards, ADS, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA). You have to push yourself, put your head up to be measured and ask ‘how good am I? How good could I be? ”