World-class talent recognised at Jaguar Land Rover South Africa

Jan Olivier from Land Rover North Western, in Upington, has been recognised as the 2017 Jaguar Land Rover South Africa Technician of the Year. For his world-class performance and excellent customer service, as well as top results in theoretical and practical examinations, 32-year-old Olivier was also awarded a cash prize of R272 000.

Jan Olivier is the third winner of this prestigious competition, which is open to all technicians in the growing Jaguar Land Rover South Africa dealer network. The competition comprises a number of rounds of online assessments that test their theoretical knowledge. Following this, top-scoring technicians are selected to attend a practical assessment at the Jaguar Land Rover Training Academy – the same facility where all Jaguar Land Rover technicians receive international training. The practical examination narrows down finalists, until one man is left standing: The Technician of the Year.

Olivier’s career in the motor industry kicked off in 2005, at a local motor dealership in Upington. Following this, he studied to become a qualified diesel mechanic through Merseta. In 2008 he joined the Land Rover team, at North Western Motor Company, after a managed recommended a training course to work on Land Rover vehicles.

“The Training Academy certainly helped me develop into a more confident technician,” says Olivier. “I feel far better equipped for the challenges I face, and I know I have the knowledge to take the correct approach to my work.”

Despite his intentions to enter the competition for the experience, Olivier was well-equipped to exceed even his own expectations. The Jaguar Land Rover Training Academy was established to address the skills shortage in the motor industry, and is run to a world-class standard. Its training materials, equipment and syllabus are based on standards set by Jaguar Land Rover in the UK. Technicians trained at the Training Academy in South Africa are able to work on Jaguar Land Rover vehicles anywhere in the world.

“When I think about this achievement, it still feels like a dream. I guess it hasn’t really sunk in, yet,” says Olivier. “The prize money was a good incentive – but would never have guessed that I’d win. I’ll definitely use this towards my mortgage and also to finance a classic Land Rover that I am restoring.”

With this win, Jan is officially the best Jaguar Land Rover technician in South Africa. Later this year he will also get to prove his mettle against other Technicians of the Year from Jaguar Land Rover’s global markets, at an international competition.

Thanks to this international element, Jaguar Land Rover gives technicians a platform to earn worldwide recognition in their field. Customers also benefit from this intensive career-development, which results in world-class service from award-winning technicians. The stringent certification process also incorporates real-world feedback from customers, ensuring that only the cream of the crop are certified as master technicians.

“I’m incredibly thrilled with the results of the Technician of the Year awards. Not only do hard-working technicians have an opportunity to earn a sought-after award, but success in this competition motivates technicians throughout the year,” says Sharnie Malan, Customer Services Director at Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa. “It remains inspiring to see how technicians and apprentices are dedicated to developing their skills and careers. We look forward to another record turnout – and tighter competition – at next year’s finals.”

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