THE MERCURY MARINE Technician of the Year competition in its fourth year was a little different for 2021. With 150 questions and 35 minutes, this year’s technicians had just 14 seconds to answer each question in a Covid-friendly online competition.
Twenty-four technicians in each region across Australia and New Zealand battled it out in a fast-paced online competition.
This year’s winner, Craig Bell from Hodge Marine South Australia, has been a Mercury technician since 1990. Craig has participated in the Technician of the Year competitions for the past three years, placing fourth in 2018 and third in 2019.
“In past competitions I’ve had a bit of performance anxiety because we were in front of judges and cameras, but this year I was on my own with nothing but a computer. I was able to be more relaxed and I think that’s what helped me secure the win!” said Craig.
James Taylor from Firman’s Marine Centre in Napier was runner-up.
Every competitor this year received a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and the finalist prize winners received a Mercury FourStroke 6hp Outboard.
