A WesTrac field service technician has placed in the top two of a Caterpillar international skills competition
WesTrac field service technician Leon Archibald was crowned runner-up in the Caterpillar Global Dealership Technician Challenge, ahead of Queensland’s Reece Bishop who placed third.
The global competition was first introduced in 2024 to recognise the critical role technicians play in keeping major industries operating, while also showcasing the world-class technical skills across Caterpillar’s global dealer network.
Held over three days in Illinois, USA, the challenge tested finalists through a series of high-pressure, real-world scenarios – requiring them to diagnose and repair complex mechanical faults under strict time limits.
The result follows Archibald’s first-place performance at the semi-finals hosted in Spain last year, where he competed against technicians from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, to secure his spot in the final.
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Archibold says the experience was both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s been a long process, nearly two years, [since the first challenge] so to go through all that and get that result is amazing,” he says.
“I didn’t think there’d be anything like this [for a field service technician], you meet a lot more people and become more widely known.
“It’s hard to explain the exact feeling of a podium finish, but it was great.”
Archibold was supported by mentor Peter Bardwell, who helped prepare him for the intensity of the international competition.
Reflecting on the journey, Bardwell says Archibold’s calm approach on the global stage was the key to his success.
“Leon is extremely determined and his technical knowledge is by far the best I’ve seen,” Bardwell says.
“He was able to shake off some minor things that didn’t quite go our way.
“It was such a privilege for me to join him in his journey to success. He is truly deserving of this accomplishment.”
