Year after year, Ryder continues to invest a tremendous amount of resources, time and energy into developing its technicians. Aside from ensuring that its technicians receive the most up-to-date training, Ryder also encourages them to go above and beyond to be the best in the industry.
The company accomplishes this through its annual Ryder’s Top Technician (Top Tech) Recognition Program, designed to identify, recognize and reward Ryder’s top performing technicians.
Eligible participants for the award are selected annually from Ryder’s team of 5,400 U.S.- and Canadian-based technicians and compete on the basis of their technical training qualifications, customer service performance and quality workmanship. Ryder shop managers play an integral role in the process by providing them with the information and support needed to guide them through the program from start to finish.
THE SETUP
After advancing through three increasingly demanding rounds of challenging written and hands-on tests, eight finalists then compete for the top honors at Ryder’s Top Tech Competition. The finalists and their guests are treated to four days in a luxury hotel, enjoying team events, sightseeing and relaxation before the day of the final competition and awards ceremony.
The technicians also are joined by Ryder division leaders, executives, members of the board of directors and the chairman and CEO. The program provides contestants and their guests with the opportunity to enjoy a real networking and bonding experience.
The final competition consists of 10 rigorous, hands-on skill tests, including vehicle electronics, preventive maintenance and air conditioning. The title of Top Tech, along with keys to a brand new sports car and a cash prize, is awarded to the first place winner. All eight finalists receive significant cash prizes for their exemplary performance.
Each year’s Top Tech finalists go on to represent Team Ryder at the TMC SuperTech National Technician Skills Competition in the fall, where they compete against the industry’s best technicians.
ALL PARTIES INVOLVED
Recognition programs like Top Tech are a win-win-win. The technician, Ryder customers and Ryder all benefit.
Technicians are encouraged to push themselves beyond their limits in order to be the best technicians they can be, with the opportunity to enjoy a free trip, win prizes and enjoy bragging rights. Ryder’s customers have access to the best of the best in the industry.
What’s more, Ryder is consequently able to retain its technicians, as well as its customers, who rely on top-of-the line maintenance and service.
MAJOR ELEMENTS
The basic ingredients for crafting a program like Ryder’s Top Tech are as follows:
- Develop a database of all technicians and their current capabilities and performance.
- Establish a series or progression of tests that evaluate both the academic knowledge of the technicians and their ability to execute in a hands-on challenge.
- Set a goal for the program that states what you wish to accomplish.
- Recruit local management talent that understands and leverages the value of the program.
- Formulate a game plan to recruit and encourage technicians to participate.
- Learn best practices from organizations such as Ryder, TMC and your local or state maintenance organizations.
Mel Kirk is vice president of maintenance and quality operations for Ryder (www.ryder.com). a Fortune 500 commercial fleet management and supply chain solutions company.
