A Master Technician from Stoke-on-Trent has been crowned the best Kia technician in the world after taking gold at the carmaker’s global skills competition in Korea.
Tom Sharples, a Master Technician and EV Specialist at Ken Jervis Kia in Hanley, secured the gold award at the 12th Kia Skill World Cup, representing the UK and his dealership on the international stage.
The competition brought together 42 technicians from 40 countries, who were tested through rigorous written and practical assessments covering advanced diagnostics, repair procedures, component analysis and electric vehicle technology.
Tom, who won $5,000 in prize money alongside his award, said: “It was an incredible honour to represent both Ken Jervis Kia and Kia UK at the Skill World Cup. To compete against the very best Kia technicians from around the world was a fantastic experience, and to come away with the Gold Award is something I am immensely proud of.
“Achievements like this don’t happen in isolation. The support, encouragement and opportunities I’ve received from everyone at Ken Jervis Kia have played a huge part in my development, and I am grateful to work alongside such a talented team.”
His employer praised both his achievement and the journey that led to it.
James Norwood, general manager at Ken Jervis, said: “Everyone at Ken Jervis is incredibly proud of Tom. To be recognised as the best Kia technician in the world is an extraordinary achievement and one that reflects the commitment, professionalism and technical expertise he demonstrates every day.
“What makes this success even more special is the journey Tom has taken. He first had to prove himself against the very best technicians in the UK before earning the opportunity to represent his country on the global stage. To then go on and win the world final is simply outstanding.
“Whilst this recognition rightly belongs to Tom, it also reflects the culture we have worked hard to create at Ken Jervis. We invest heavily in training, development and supporting our people to reach their full potential, and Tom’s success is a wonderful example of what can be achieved.”
The Kia Skill World Cup, first launched in 2002, is held every two years as part of the manufacturer’s flagship global training programme, designed to improve technical expertise and service standards across its worldwide dealer network.
