By Richard Diegle
There are roughly 750,000 automotive technicians and diesel mechanics nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Let’s say that you had the good fortune to have hired 10 of the best technicians in your area. Their skill levels range from fledgling lube technicians to highly-qualified master technicians. What can you do to ensure they keep their toolboxes anchored in your shop for years to come?
The automotive industry’s shortage of qualified technicians is no secret. In a recent report from the Automotive Service Association (ASA), 45 percent of shop owners felt the technician shortage was their No. 1 challenge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry will need about 46,000 more technicians by 2026 to meet anticipated demand and respond to attrition. As the gap between supply and demand widens every year, the financial health of independent auto repair shops, collision shops, and dealerships are being threatened.
The costs associated with unfilled positions is equally sobering. For example, if a technician in a busy shop can generate $1,000 of gross revenue per day, losing that tech could potentially cost the shop an average of …
