KITCHENER, Ont. — If you’re going to have mechanical problems, Kitchener, Ont. might be a good spot because one of North America’s top technicians is stationed there.

Andrew Schaefer of Altruck Idealease was named the Idealease Top Service Technician for 2009 at the first annual Idealease Technician Competition.

The competition was held in June at Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Ill. and featured the top three service technicians from Idealease locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Each of the technicians went head-to-head in a hands-on test of their technical skill and speed. Throughout the day, their training was put to the test as they navigated their way through vehicle issues at eight stations where they diagnosed and fixed problems.

Competition stations simulated service areas for air conditioning, brakes, drive train and electrical, as well as MaxxForce engines.

“The competition was challenging because it takes place in an unfamiliar shop and it covers a full range of issues,” says Schaefer. “At Altruck Idealease, we handle every type of service and repair in our shop on a daily basis. So my work experience coupled with my over 100 hours in training from Navistar gave me the confidence to compete.”

Schaefer has been a service technician for seven years and is Diamond Certified. As the Idealease Top Technician for 2009, Schaefer received the grand prize of $1,500.