Recommendations for establishing a successful competition

The TMC educational handbook, “How to Conduct a Professional Technician Skills Competition” recommends five key items to consider when establishing a technician skills competition.

“Volunteer support is key to establishing a successful technician skills competition,” according to the TMC educational handbook, How to Conduct a Professional Technician Skills Competition.  “It is best to establish a core group of committed volunteers in an officer or oversight committee format.”

Build partnerships

“It is a good idea to get participation from a diverse group of manufacturers and vendors, trade press, trade schools and educators as possible,” according to the educational handbook.

Establishing these relationships allows organizations interested in conducting a skills competition the means to utilize the resources within their network. For instance, establishing a relationship with a local college could allow for a shop to hold the competition at that educational facility.

Partnerships with vendors are key, including sponsorships from suppliers and other organizations.

“Sponsorship opportunities can cover food functions, setup costs, entertainment, etc. Typical sponsorship recognition opportunities can include: corporate logos on event banners, signage, competition apparel (T-shirts, hats), official programs, etc,” according to the handbook. 

One cost savings to consider is holding a technician skills competition in conjunction with another company event. For example, a number of state trucking associations conduct a technician skills competition during their organization’s annual truck driving competitions.

It’s important to establish the rules of the event prior to holding a skills competition.

“Be sure the technician competitors are aware of the rules before the event starts,” according to the handbook. “This will help solve potential problems before they can begin. Have them sign a competition agreement and release.”