Sept. 6, 2019 – At Daimler’s Annual DTNA North American Engine Technician Skills Competition, Kyle Ballard with Clarke Power Services (Clarke) won first place out of over 500 expert-level engine technicians.
To get to the national competition, Ballard first had to compete in an exam-round and a regional round. Over 500 expert-level engine technicians participated in the North American online exam round earlier this year. Three Clarke technicians’ scores earned them three of eight spots in the Eastern Regionals.
Ballard placed first in the Eastern Regional Competition, and moved on to the Finals to compete against five other technicians from the U.S. and Canada. The Finals consisted of 5 hands-on stations and one written exam that required contestants to demonstrate their symptom-based diagnostic and repair skills.
This isn’t the first time that Ballard achieved a first place win this year. In May, he also won first place in the North Carolina Trucking Association Top Tech Challenge.
“We are so proud of Kyle and the success he has achieved through his skill, expertise and work ethic. His dedication to training, development and excellent quality is demonstrated in his wins this year. He is a great example of the talented and committed technicians we have throughout the Clarke network,” says Sergio Jimenez, Senior Vice President of Sales & Operations.
Ballard’s wins are in keeping with a track record of top performance from Clarke Power Services at competitions this year.
At the North Carolina Trucking Association Top Tech Challenge, Clarke also had technicians place second and seventh overall. In April, a Clarke technician took home second overall at Missouri Trucking Association SuperTech Competition. This technician won four stations: Electrical, PMI, Starting and Charging, and Vehicle Control Systems.
“Competing is something technicians do above and beyond their regular daily work. It takes dedication and an inner drive to achieve new heights. Our training programs at Clarke are designed to educate, engage and inspire. Combine that with people who are committed to growth, and you get award-winning technicians,” says Mike Dowling, Director of Training.
Ballard (center) receives his first place award.
About Clarke Power Services
Proud to be an authorized service center for Detroit Diesel, Allison Transmissions, Vehicare Fleet Solutions, MTU, Perkins Engines, Mercedes-Benz truck engines, Sterling Trucks and WheelTime, Clarke Power Services offers 23 full-service shops and 150-plus mobile trucks across 9 states. Clarke’s expert team provides all makes and all models a one-stop shop for both individual and comprehensive repairs, with each location featuring a full inventory of parts for on-highway and off-highway trucks. With customizable solutions and superior customer service, Clarke Power Services keeps commercial vehicle assets operational and equipment life cycles on track. To learn more, visit clarkepowerservices.com.
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