First Cat global technician challenge takes shape
Caterpillar hosted inaugural Global Dealer Technician Challenge in Melbourne last weekTo celebrate the important role dealer technicians play in providing excellent customer service, Caterpillar is presenting the first ever Global Dealer Technician Challenge that is taking place all around the world.
This challenge, for independent Cat dealers that choose to participate, is designed to showcase how skilled technicians are part of a high-tech, high-impact and high-demand career.
“This hands-on, skills-based competition will test the technicians’ agility, resilience and versatility,” said Caterpillar Global Service Vice President, Henry Venneman.
“These trained experts are on the front line of support, working to keep machines and engines up and running to help ensure our customers’ critical projects are completed.”
Closer to home, Caterpillar held its technician challenge in Melbourne from August 12 to 15, 2024, where seven Cat dealers representing different regions across Asia Pacific battled it out for a spot in the semi-finals to be held in Spain at a later date.
Technicians from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand competed against three Australian reps from Victoria, Queensland-NT and Western Australia.
In the end, Westrac WA’s Leon Archibald (1st), Hasting Deering’s Rhys Bishop (2nd) and Terra Cat NZ’s Brenton Page (3rd), secured their spots in the semi-finals.
Similar events are being held in Europe, the Middle East and Americas this year and next, with the top three winners from each regional qualifier going on to participate in the semi-final in Malaga, Spain.
From there, 10 finalists will be selected to compete in the Top Dealer Technician global finals, to be held in March 2026 at the CONEXPO/CON-AGG trade show in Las Vegas.
By the end of 2026, it is estimated that Cat dealers may need to hire more than 44,000 technicians. Therefore, Caterpillar has designed the competition to help raise awareness of the opportunities in this career field.
“There are thousands of opportunities available globally for those who are interested in a hands-on career,” Venneman said.
“Cat dealers are often looking for individuals who are problem solvers, mechanically inclined and tech savvy.”
For more information on Cat dealer technician roles, visit Caterpillar’s website.
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