Technician of the Year

For Jake McKie winning the prestigious Auto Value Technician of the Year Award carries more than just recognition

For Jake McKie, winning the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance’s Canadian Technician of the Year award is a culmination of years of hard work and continued learning. “It is a great feeling and truly a great honour,” says McKie. “There are a lot of very talented technicians across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, so to be recognized among my peers and be recognized this way is something I’m very proud of.”

Knowledge and experience

McKie began his automotive service career at Dingwall Ford, in Kenora, Ontario. “I completed my apprenticeship and while I was there, I continued through all of the Ford training that was available to me,” he says. Eventually becoming a Ford Senior Master Diesel Technician, McKie later got involved in heavy-equipment repairs and maintenance, working out of a service truck. “That gave me experience with a completely different range of equipment and repairs, he says. Eventually, McKie joined Shane’s Northern Tire & Auto in Kenora, an Auto Value Certified Service Center and customer of Piston Ring Service Supply, and since then has continued to expand his knowledge and experience. This included completing his Truck and Coach certification and today, McKie says he works on a variety of different vehicles and equipment. “One of the things I like, is that here [at Shane’s] we’re willing to take on difficult and/or unusual jobs.”

McKie says that at the shop, technician training is a key priority, especially as vehicle technology and repair methods continue to evolve. “We really make an effort to stay current, so we can tackle any job that comes through the door.”

Willingness to learn

When asked what are some of the fundamental things necessary to succeed as a modern automotive service technician, McKie says a key one is a willingness to keep learning. “Automotive technology changes so quickly today, that you can’t stop training once you get your licence. You have to keep up with new systems, diagnostic equipment and repair procedures.” He also feels that having strong problem-solving skills and diagnostic ability is essential too. “Replacing parts is one things, but being able to understand how a system works, determining why it failed and prove the diagnosis is what really separates a top-tier technician,” McKie explains. He also stresses that it’s important to take pride in the work you do. “You must be willing to put in the effort, learn from mistakes and continually try to improve the quality of your work,” he says.

For those considering a career as an automotive service technician, McKie notes that it can be very rewarding, provided you’re willing to put the work in. “I don’t think anyone should look at the trades as the “easy” alternative to university or another career path,”  he says.

“Replacing parts is one things, but being able to understand how a system works, determining why it failed and prove the diagnosis is what really separates a top-tier technician”

– Jake McKie

Different paths

Today, becoming a proficient automotive service technician requires having a great deal of technical knowledge, alongside good problem-solving skills and the ability to be continuously learning and willing to upgrade your skills. He notes that there are many different paths people can take in the aftermarket service sector. “You can learn the basic skills and stay there, or you can keep challenging yourself, training and expanding what you’re capable of doing. If you want to become a highly skilled diagnostic technician, it takes intelligence, dedication and a willingness to keep learning throughout your career.

For someone who enjoys solving problems, working with their hands and constantly learning something new, it can be an excellent career choice,” states McKie.

From his perspective as a technician, McKie says a big benefit has been the access to solid training and technical support. “We have a very good relationship with our local Piston Ring store,” McKie explains. “Having knowledgeable people locally who support us, along with the resources available through the Auto Value Certified Service Center program, is valuable to both the technicians and the business.”

Host of benefits

He notes that from the shop side, the Certified Service Center program offers a host of benefits, including warranty support, training opportunities and other resources that help an independent repair facility provide a high level of professional service to its customers.

“Being part of the program has given us additional tools and support that help us continue developing both individually as technicians and collectively as a business,” McKie says.

In becoming recognized as Technician of the Year, McKie says he’s very grateful for the opportunity and those that have helped him along the way. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s always more to learn, and that’s one of the things that keeps this career interesting.”