The Global Dealer Technician Challenge (GDTC), an initiative by Caterpillar, involves four rounds of intense competition. Caterpillar technicians from across the globe compete in skill-based challenges, testing their knowledge and abilities in areas such as hydraulics, powertrain, engine, and customer experience.
From 65,000 eligible technicians worldwide, 67 were invited to compete in the Round 2 Regional Qualifiers - Leon proudly sitting amongst these worthy competitors.
Winning first place at the qualifiers has now put Leon in the top 20 Cat technicians in the world. This is an incredible feat and one Leon notes, “[as the] highlight of his career and greatest experience so far”. On the challenge, Leon was profuse in his credit to Caterpillar and WesTrac for organising such an amazing competition in an extremely limited timeframe.
He also acknowledges the wonderful support of his colleagues, in particular the Post Trade team in the WesTrac Institute and the Field Service division, for allowing him “to do what he needed to do to get this far”. There is an extra special mention, to his coach and mentor Peter Bardwell, who accompanied him to the qualifiers in Melbourne. In addition, Leon has felt the immense support from the extended WesTrac WA teams, receiving uplifting messages of encouragement and congratulations in the lead up and aftermath of the qualifiers.
Being able to get involved in opportunities like this, is one of the reasons Leon loves working at WesTrac stating, “it’s the extra things you get to do outside the job” that make it special. Starting his career with WesTrac back in 2008, Leon has shown his incredible work ethic and perseverance by working his way up from an apprentice into a Plant Mechanic, Field Service. He is not only an exceptional technician, but also a highly valued member of the WesTrac WA team.
The Field Service team is an area that provides the opportunity to continuously learn, grow and adapt. Our Field Service technicians are on the frontline with our customers every day - being the faces of the business our customers know and trust. Across a diverse product line in multiple different applications and environments, these technicians embody the WesTrac’s SPARC values of providing effective solutions and delivering exceptional customer service daily.
Leon’s story is a shining example of the heights someone can reach with a career at WesTrac. Like Leon, entering into our apprenticeship program can be a launchpad to a long and fulfilling career, with plenty of opportunities and a learning culture designed to facilitate continuous growth.
Congratulations again, Leon! The WesTrac team are eagerly anticipating your participation in Round 3 of the challenge in Spain, November 2025. The whole team will be cheering you on as you take on this next challenge, again representing WesTrac with pride.
