TORONTO, Ont. – The first winner of Chevron Texaco’s Diesel Technician monthly award program can now add Chevron’s first annual award to his resum.

John Coelho, a mechanic with U-Pak Disposals in Rexdale, Ont. was presented with the first annual Diesel Technician of the Year award on May 3 at the Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar by Chris Leitch, marketing manager for Chevron Texaco.

“It was such a surprise to my wife and I,” Coelho said after the presentation. “I knew I was in the running just because the annual award is decided between all of the monthly award winners, but I had no idea that I would win.”

The award is presented to qualified technicians who receive two nominations, are recognized by management, customers and co-workers for strong technical skills, go beyond the call of duty, set an example for others, are team players and work to increase their knowledge and improve their performance.

Coelho was nominated by Tim O’Connor and Trevor Micallef of U-Pak

Coelho began his career with U-Pak as a driver and seven years later decided he wanted to become a mechanic.

“In order to make the move I had to complete my Grade 12 equivalency, so I had to rush that studying and I finished it in a month and then a month later went on to the Centennial College Truck and Coach program,” said Coelho.

U-Pak management was very supportive and helped him in any way they could, Coelho said.

Coelho said winning the award means a lot to him but it’s what went into winning it that counts.

“It’s such a great honor,” said Coelho. “It’s great to know that you’ve put so much into something and that it is noticed or it is recognized. To know that my boss was confident enough to give me this opportunity and to be judged by my peers and people who know what it takes to be a good mechanic – wow.”