For more than two decades, GM World Class Technician (WCT) status has been the highest recognition a GM service technician can earn. (Fig. 3) Established in 2004, the program recognizes technicians who have demonstrated a mastery of all vehicle systems. Coming in 2028, the program will implement several changes to address the latest advancements in the automotive industry.
Fig. 3
Technicians have the opportunity to become World Class Technicians in the Mechanical curriculum through the GM Service Technical College (STC) and ASE training programs. Technicians achieve their WCT status after satisfying the training requirements and earning the necessary certifications, which includes obtaining Master Technician Certification (MTC) in select areas.
Why the Change Now
The automotive industry looks nothing like it did in 2004. Back then, diesel engines were often found only in large trucks. In the years since, diesel powertrains have spread across the GM lineup — driving a demand for diesel training.
Electric vehicles have unfolded in a similar way. EVs were not part of the original training requirements. But today, Chevrolet is the #2 EV brand in the U.S.
Elevating the technical requirements of the program keeps World Class status aligned with the vehicles that technicians are actually repairing in the dealership and helps position them for what’s coming next.
Current Requirements Through 2027
Technicians achieve WCT status when they successfully complete eight of nine Master Technician Certifications in the Mechanical area, along with the accompanying ASE Certifications. (Fig 4) Technicians can choose to complete either Gasoline Engine Performance or Diesel Engine Performance along with seven mechanical-related certifications.
Current Master Certifications include:
- Engine Repair
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Brakes
- Steering/Suspension
- Automatic Transmission
- Manual Transmission/Drivetrain
- Diesel Engine Performance or Gasoline Engine Performance
Fig. 4
New Requirements in 2028
Starting in 2028, technicians will be required to have 10 of 10 Master Certifications, which will include:
- Engine Repair
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Brakes
- Steering/Suspension
- Automatic Transmission
- Manual Transmission/Drivetrain
- Engine Performance
- Diesel Engine Performance
- Advanced Technology Vehicle (EV)
Meeting the Requirements
Of the 2,545 service technicians currently holding GM World Class Technician status, 561 already meet the new requirements. Technicians who do not meet the requirements will have until January 1, 2028, to complete the necessary training.
Planning is already in place to meet the training demands expected in the three new certifications, including supporting prerequisite courses for EV and diesel courses.
Timelines
The timeline for implementing the new requirements is:
- December 31, 2027 – Current WCT requirements end
- January 1, 2028 – New WCT requirements begin
- March 31, 2028 – Technician Excellence new requirement deadline (All impacted 2028 incentive programs will be updated prior to their annual enrollment periods.)
- December 31, 2028 – Grace period ends
What’s Next
Training capacity is being expanded ahead of the deadline. Technicians should review their certification record and compare it against the new 10-of-10 list to identify any gaps — most commonly Advanced Technology Vehicle and Diesel Engine Performance — and plan ahead to complete the required courses to earn or maintain World Class Technician status. (Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
Look for more information to be released about the WCT changes as well as other technical training announcements as the deadlines draw near.
– Thanks to David Piper
Hopefully the earnpower incentives get increased significantly to account for the updated requirements.
Not right. You don’t achieve something like this and have the goal post moved and taken away. I’ve done my part and more, have all 9 and I’m 100% in both EV categories. Make a new level, World Class+ (Plus) Technician and give them a bump in Earnpower, giving GM and the Dealer their part to do. Don’t punish me, I should lose nothing. I’ve spent two decades honing my skills. Poorly thought out and intentional.
I disagree with other techs about getting rid of ASE’s and the L1 though, it’s part of what sets us apart from other brands and drives our value. If you can’t pass them that’s a problem.
Had all 11 Master Tech Certs since 2012, seems logical to update qualifications as industry/job changes.
Not sure why wouldn’t tech want to complete ALL certifications rather than just do the minimum required to get the prize.
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY L1 IS REQUIRED . BUT EVEN ASE YOU ONLY NEED THE A SERIES TO BET A MASTER TECH
crazy what we go through to become world class now you want to take it back?? sorry that’s not right! i get it new vehicles and stuff but maybe designate it something else, how about getting rid of ase requirements? gm is the only one that recognizes them
Been all 10 since 2017. If youre a WCT for any reason other than pride in what you do, youll eventually be upset by changes to the program, or trophies or requirements.
So… do we get one of those fancy new trophies? My original one is starting to patina, and a dude holding a tech2 is so 20th century.
What about the techs that are not at EV dealers, or in the areas where the EV garbage is not wanted or desired?
All while continuing to push seasoned technicians out of the field with no means of attracting new talent.
Another reason technicians are dropping like flies.. The requirements keep growing larger and larger.
Are there any plans to implement more hands-on courses for newer training materials? Seems like most courses for new material is all web based & vct. Although web based and vct is good, it does not beat hands on.
INSTEAD OF MOVING THE GOLE POST CRATE A MORE ADVANCED DESIGNATION.
I believe we should be grandfathered in seeing we have the world class title already. Some of us worked many years to get where we are, Though now it seems easier to get the world class title today, and you should have in order to get to that title now should require all ten for NEW world class coming up. it is very disappointing if you take away the title from the ones who have already earned it. someone needs to look in to this, because its hard enough to get more money out of our dealers for what we have and they won’t give anymore incentive.
too much, on some of us took a long time to get there now they are throwing more on top of it like no body business not only that I haven’t work on an EV for a long time since our dealership drop the EV line. now we are also barely getting back on it on the EV`s. too much to worry about it.
currently since I work for a stand alone Buick dealership I do not get any credit for electric or diesel certifications that I have competed including the assessments .Is this going to change as well?
Technician incentive programs (Mark of Excellence, Technician Excellence) will be adjusted to meet this new requirement prior to the 2028 calendar year.
I believe there should be a higher payout from the excellent program for the new additional requirements.