Shortage of Auto Technician Diagnosticians to Worsen
Sourced From: Motor Age, April 21, 2008
Situation
1. Every industry is looking for educated, skilled, talented, and experienced professionals
2. Shortage of vehicle technicians is 35-60K per year
3. American trade schools are graduating about 35K new technicians this year
4. Several factors contribute to today's technician shortage problem
5. Includes rigorous qualifications necessary to work on increasingly complex powertrains, fuel diversity
6. Remains a negative stigma associated w/ this career choice
Significant Points
1. Shortage will become more critical as Boomer-generation technicians enter retirement
2. Plenty of entry-level oil changers and tire service techs available
3. Computer-savvy techs that can perform diagnostics are in short supply
4. Ending the stigma about technicians w/ parent and educator gatekeepers is first step to solution
5. Change needs to take place community by community rather than nationally
Background
1. AAA = Automobile Association of America
2. AASP = Alliance of Automotive Service Providers
3. AAIA = Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
4. ASA = Automotive Service Association
Says
"The sharp shops -- the ones that have the least problems with hiring -- have joined their local advisory council so they get the pick of the litter of the students coming out of the vocational education system." -- Tony Molla, VP of communications, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
