In the high-stakes world of automotive engineering, precision and skill are everything. Few embody this dedication to excellence better than Tim Cartwright, a Master Technician at Stoneacre Chesterfield Hyundai.
Tim’s journey to the top of his profession reached impressive new heights in 2023, when he proved his exceptional abilities on the world stage.
The Road to the World Finals
- August 2023: Tim clinched victory at the British Skills Olympics, earning the prestigious honour of representing the UK internationally.
- The Grand Finale: He went on to secure an incredible third place at the Hyundai World Skills Olympics in South Korea.
Hosted in South Korea, this elite competition serves as the ultimate proving ground for automotive technicians worldwide, testing their technical mettle across a gruelling spectrum of challenges. Walking away with a podium finish firmly establishes Tim as one of the very best in his field.
Competition in Korea
The four-day event was a rigorous test of technical acumen, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Day 1: Theory and Virtual Reality
The competition opened with orientation sessions and group assignments, followed by a gruelling hour-long written exam. Innovation took centre stage with the introduction of VR practice and practical tests—a new addition for this year’s event. Organisers were keen to gather contestant feedback, highlighting the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive technology.
Day 2: The Practical Challenges
Tim’s group hit the ground running on Day 2, heading to the Global Learning Centre for five intensive practical tests. These included:
- Electrical diagnostics
- CAN network fault-finding on various non-UK market vehicles
- An EV segment dedicated entirely to electric vehicle technology
Each challenge demanded absolute precision and a deep understanding of modern, complex automotive systems.
Day 3: Industry and Manufacturing
Day 3 offered an immersive look at the backbone of the industry, beginning with a visit to the Asan car plant and culminating in a tour of the Hyundai steelworks. Witnessing the intricate process of steel production for vehicle manufacturing provided unparalleled insights into the scale of the operation.
Day 4: Culture and Heritage
The final day was a celebration of Korean culture, featuring a visit to the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, followed by souvenir shopping in the vibrant Insadong district.
Reflecting on the Journey
Reflecting on the experience, Tim expressed immense pride in representing the UK alongside nearly 75 other global contestants. He noted that a preparatory trip to Hyundai Motor Europe (HME) in Germany was invaluable, providing crucial cultural immersion alongside advanced technical training.
The journey was also a personal milestone; Tim admitted that stepping onto a staggering 13-hour flight to Korea was a massive leap, considering his only prior flying experience was a brief hour-and-a-half trip..
A World-Class Finish
Despite fierce competition, Tim secured an impressive third-place finish globally. His performance demonstrated technical expertise and adaptability, particularly during the competition’s new VR testing.
Tim described the opening ceremony as a great honour, where UK titleholders returned the trophy and recited the official oath.
He thanked Gavin and James for their support, including workshop commitments and training and travel expenses. Tim’s journey from national champion to global podium highlights his dedication, expertise and adaptability.
A Hero’s Welcome
On Thursday, 16th November 2023, the Stoneacre Chesterfield team welcomed Ben Sargeant (Head of Customer Service for Hyundai UK), Gerry George (Stoneacre’s Aftersales Director), and Scott Fairhead (Hyundai Zone Manager) for a personal meeting to congratulate Tim.
Ben, Gerry and Scott discussed his experience and thanked him for representing Hyundai UK and Stoneacre at the world finals.
The celebration concluded with a group photograph and a well-deserved treat for the entire workshop team: pizzas and doughnuts.
Gerry George, Aftersales Director, commented on this success:
“It’s brilliant to see Tim achieving such a prestigious award. To achieve this in a global competition reflects the dedication he has shown to his professional development throughout his time at Stoneacre. Tim is a credit to himself and our Company.
“We pride ourselves on the opportunities we provide employees with to develop their skills and achieve qualifications, be this in the form of accreditations, certifications, apprenticeships, or other training programmes.
“It is brilliant to see a member of the Stoneacre team achieving this Worldwide Status with a prestigious engineering brand in Hyundai. The Directors and his colleagues within Stoneacre applaud Tim’s achievement.”
Returning to Stoneacre Hyundai, Tim Cartwright brings valuable experience from competing against the world’s best technicians. His achievements inspire aspiring technicians and demonstrate what dedication and excellence can achieve.
