Top Gear & Top Technician Magazine Article

As new technology and computers reshape the automotive industry, many shops and technicians are looking ahead. But many are not. Falling behind the times leaves a business scrambling to catch up as trends become norms, losing time and money that could've been spent generating revenue. These business-killing mistakes are often caused by professionals not knowing where to look or being blocked by heavy investments and steep learning curves, but businesses still need to adapt. Top Technician and Top Garage stand opposed to companies falling behind the times, and TOPDON is proud to sponsor a solution this year.

Top Technician is a competition that energizes the entire UK automotive aftermarket industry. For 21 years, the contest has brought the best technicians together and brought out all contestants' knowledge of automotive repair. The competition benefits practically everyone who attends. Contestants can win from a pool of vast prizes and receive the opportunity to test themselves and improve their skills. Some technicians have been scouted for a job in a more specialized shop, and shop owners get great publicity for their businesses by competing. TOPDON is sponsoring Top Technician because few automotive competitions support the automotive repair industry the way Top Technician does.

Top Garage is another outstanding event to support the industry through competition. Top Garage focuses on teams of automotive technicians operating together. Competitions are available for shops of all sizes, ranging from 1-3 person shops to multi-site shops. In 2022, Top Garage introduced the first Service Advisor competition, testing a service advisor's expertise through "online questions and mystery shops." Competing shops are observed by the judges and receive feedback on their strengths and areas to improve. Top Garage finalists will receive recognition for their achievements and have the chance to win prizes.

TOPDON supports Top Technician and Top Garage because these contests support the automotive repair industry. The two contests offer technicians and businesses prizes, resume credentials, networking opportunities, direction for improvement, and, most importantly, excitement. TOPDON loves the industry and believes the best way to motivate the industry is to celebrate technicians and see them in action. 

Technicians deserve to be appreciated. Their job requires a vast knowledge of complex car systems, problem-solving skills, physical strength, and the ability to handle pressure while working under time constraints. These contests' publicity helps boost interest in the automotive trades and helps top automotive talent get scouted. Seeing just how interesting the trades can be, inspires the careers of potential technicians and shop owners. This motivation can even extend to seasoned professionals who can see the possibilities of investing in new training and technology, which keeps their business relevant.

TOPDON always advocates for businesses to invest in education and up-to-date tools. Education is an excellent investment if you know where to find it. Automotive educational content can be found in accredited magazines, podcasts, and tradeshows. TOPDON is growing our educational content on our YouTube channels and hosting live training events. Training seminars are commonly found during tradeshows (often free for registered attendees). Sometimes just one class can catch owners and technicians up to speed on where they should invest next. As far as new technology goes, shops need to stay on Top of ADAS, electric vehicles, and new computer systems. Wise investments would be ADAS kits and scan tools capable of handling advanced diagnostics and cloud-based programming jobs. More efficient technology can speed up workflow. 

TOPDON wants to help create opportunity, education, and excitement in the automotive industry. Few events can produce all three the way Top Technician and Top Garage do. Which is why TOPDON is proud to sponsor them both.