The biennial Hyundai World Skill Olympics is not only designed to improve technicians’ skills through systematic training and by sharing up-to-date information in a uniquely interactive environment, but is also drawing the company’s top automotive service experts from around the world for intense skills competition and camaraderie.

First held in 1995, the competition has been a much anticipated and celebrated congregation of Hyundai’s expert technicians, who vie for top prizes and honours.

In the 24 years that this competition has been running for, it has never been won by a UK representative… Until now.

Dean Hodge, former South Devon College apprentice, was crowned World Champion Master Technician at the 2019 Hyundai World Skill Olympics.

Dean took part in the Hyundai UK Master Technician Of The Year competition earlier this year where he came placed 1st, which is a fantastic achievement in itself.

This then led him to five days in Germany doing some intense training and finally off to South Korea (Hyundai Worldwide Headquarters) to compete against the Top Hyundai Master technicians across the world. Over 100 Master Technicians battled it out with intense diagnostic tests, written exams, and more challenging tasks until Dean was lifting the trophy before the world after three days of competing.

Hodge said:

“It is a tremendous honour winning this prestigious competition after contending with talented technicians from all over the world. I have always felt proud to be a staff member of Hyundai Motor, a truly international company. I will put my knowledge and skills to constantly serving customers better and winning their hearts.”

Congratulations to Dean for this fantastic achievement. An accolade like this will see Dean continue to embrace more opportunities and further display his skills and talent wherever he goes. To say the College are proud of Dean is an understatement. We are over the moon to share this news and celebrate his success. Well done!