Tudela achieves 3-peat in Toyota skills contest

For the third straight year, Vincent A. Tudela crowned himself the champion in the Annual Microl Technician Skills Contest that was held yesterday noon at the Toyota Showroom of Microl Corp.

Tudela, who also won the initial contest in 2006 and defended the title last year, bested two other finalists, Ronald Barredo (first runner-up) and Alex Victoria (second runner-up) in an hour of measuring technical skills and know-how about car engines.

Tudela, who has worked for Microl for 8.5 years, said it was harder this time around compared to last year.

“It was more challenging. I was a little bit pressured but I am glad for winning this competition again,” he said after the award presentation led by Doug Brennan, general manager/vice president of Microl Corp.

The objective of the contest was to fix the engine right for the first time by applying proper fault diagnosis, inspection, and work procedures.

The contestants were required to complete three practical assignments with corresponding points awarded for proper procedures, accuracy of diagnosis, degree of assignment completion and care of customer’s car.

The contestants were given practical assignments; first, they diagnosed and rectified the engine-starting problem; second, they diagnosed and rectified a defective power window system; and third, they performed drive-train service and inspection.

The judges included Jesse Munoz, Emir Abuan and Allen Moses.

Tudela said it was challenging because of the new tool they used called the Tech-Xtreme, a tool that links up to a laptop that gives them access to the Internet.

“Our company really gives us the motivation to improve our skills. This is not just a contest for individual skill but we work as a team. We combine our efforts together,” said Tudela, who will be joining the Assembly of Champions in Japan early next year. He already competed in the 2004 Hong Kong Skills Competition.

There were eight contestants that initially participated, Tudela, Barredo and Victoria advanced to the Top 3 finals.

“I am proud of these three guys. They are really expert from simple oil change to overhauling,” Brennan said.

Brennan said this annual contest showcases the top technicians of the Toyota service department.

The contest, he said, promotes professionalism among the company’s service technicians and is a measure of their technical skill and know-how.

“In addition, it builds trust and respect in Saipan’s small but very competitive automotive industry, which in turn allows us to satisfy our customers’ needs with the service they expect and deserve,” he said.