Trade secrets

Motor,  Jul 2002  by Cerullo, Bob

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"Greg and Chris were quick to pick up on what they didn't know," he told me. "They have very good hand skills. They're good at taking tests. Their reading and comprehension skills are also good, which is very important in reading flowcharts and factory manuals."

Fittante said they're both "very dedicated, and they wore me out staying ofter school and Saturdays to get ready for the competition." To help them prepare, Fittante bugged the Passat in a different way each time and gave Greg and Chris the task of finding the problems. He also made sure the problems were a little more difficult to diagnose than those normally seen in the competition.

On April 3, 2002, all their hard work, and the loving dedication of their instructor, paid off. Greg and Chris won the national competition and scholarships, which totaled more than $3 million for -all the winners. They'll go on to the Universal Technical Institute Full Tuition Master Certified Auto Technology Program. When they graduate from UTI, they'll be driving their new Pontiac Vibes, and probably have their choice of jobs, to boot.

The Trade Secret is if you plan to stay a top technician in the auto repair business, you had better keep your skills and training up-to-date. Greg Paul and Chris Scotti-and at least 76 other contestants in the National Automotive Technology Competition-are coming on strong with the desire, the knowledge and the hands-on experience to be top techs. So take a lesson from these young people and expand your technical expertise. Or, if you don't, watch your back!

Bob Cerullo would like to hear from you on any issue. If you feel you'd like to share a story or simply your thoughts, e-mail Bob at bobcerullo@aol.com, or write to him c/o MOTOR Magazine, 645 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Jul 2002
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