COURTNEY Hedge began his career as an electrician at Honda Jamaica in May 1998. Showing potential and eagerness to learn, he was encouraged to train in other fields such as alignment, braking and engine work in the service department.

Always keen to know more, when Honda started an online university in 2001 for technicians to advance their skill level to that of a Master Technician, Hedge took full advantage of this opportunity and completed a number of self-studying modules online. Upon completion, Honda asked him to attend the training centre in South Florida to continue the technical aspect of the programme. Spanning three two-week periods, he completed the skilled modules in 2011, 2012 and 2013, upon which he was awarded the title of Honda Master Technician for the Latin America & Caribbean region.

three years later, Hedge will represent Jamaica as one of only 16 Master Technicians for the Latin America & Caribbean region at the Honda Top Tech Competition, the first ever of its kind for the region. To be considered eligible, he underwent the ultimate test as Honda sent a one-hour test to all Master Technicians to complete, and the first 16 persons who finished the test with the highest score in the fastest time were eligible for the next round of the Honda Top Tech Competition, LAC.

As excited as he is to participate, he believes experience is on his side based on the number of vehicles he’s had a chance to work with as well as how he trains and proclaims: “Honda is built on the power of dreams and this also perfectly describes my journey to where I am now. I never thought I would be travelling to Florida to represent Jamaica but thanks to the support of ATL Automotive and my Honda Jamaica team. I have learnt so much and grown in my field and they continue to boost me up.”

Hedge continues to learn on a daily basis with the support of his team. He raps with other technicians and asks them to drill him on questions regarding all topics of servicing and plays a leadership role in teaching 11 other service technicians at Honda as well as Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and MINI, brands within the ATL portfolio.

“Courtney is one of the best in the LAC region and is always actively working to develop his team members. He is very passionate about sharing his knowledge with colleagues,” said service manager Steve Chin.

Sam McKenzie, head of business at Honda Jamaica, commended Hedge on his achievements.

“It has been a great pleasure watching Courtney mature and garner experience, not just on his own initiative but with the support of his team who are with him every step of his journey towards being the Top Tech for the LAC region. When he travels to Florida to compete, he knows he won’t be alone as his team will be supporting and cheering him on from home.”

The winner of the Honda Top Tech Competition will move forward to the Championships being held in Cleveland, Ohio, in May 2017.

Honda Jamaica is located at 47-49 Hagley Park Road, Kingston and ATL Automotive West, Units 1-3 Bogue City Centre, Montego Bay.