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Technicians are hard to find


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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

It's hard to find techs. The other problem I am running into is my customers trusting my other tech to work on their car.

 

Ditto!!

 

I've been looking for well over a year now.

The last jerk I hired was fresh out of prison and stole a bunch of tools... So much for second chances.

 

I've had plenty of wannabes with little to no experience come knocking, but as alfredauto said:

 

I've been trying to get a 2nd tech that is experienced and have had no luck. Tech school kids are good employees but require a ton of supervision to build them up where they can actually work independently.

 

and being a one man shop I have absolutely No time to babysit nor can I afford any mistakes or comebacks... I have a reputation that I've worked hard to build.

Edited by rjbradlow
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Persistence is key. I just hired a second tech and things are going well. Use multiple methods, it's just another marketing effort. You have to have what a good tech is looking for as well. Craigslist seems to be the most amount of bang for the buck, you just have to weed through and interview many. Have a good interview process in place and keep practicing it. It gets easier with experience just like anything else.

 

Hope this helps, Good luck!

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I would like to eventually transition to the front. Has anyone had luck mentoring a young tech? I have a small shop and have a lot of competition. I can't believe lube techs get 18 dollars an hour

 

Finding quality techs has always been an issue. Let's face it, the best techs already have jobs and the industry does not attract enough quality people.

 

It's amazing when you think about the thousands of techs that graduate each year from tech schools...but where are they? And the ones we see are not ready for prime time.

 

Mentoring a young tech can be done, I have done it. BUT, you need to find the right person. Look for people with talent, a great attitude and has the ethics to work hard. If he or she has the talent and the drive, all the other skills can be taught.

 

Great post!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Its true this industry does not attract enough young talented people, but its also true that some of those it does attract, wind up opening there own businesses.

 

I've seen this a lot not only in the auto industry, but also in the machine shop and fabrication industries. Keep in mind median income here is roughly $40k, and home prices are $300k-$400k. In our area, if your a good, experienced machinist you can get a job making the median income, or open your own shop, take on all the risks and hopefully reap the rewards. Auto techs with smog licenses can make a bit more than median, but if you really want to try to make money you need to start your own business.

 

Think about it, most shop owners were techs at one point.

 

Just some food for thought,

Kevo

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$18 hour for lube is outrageous here in nc. Prime techs at busy shop is about $25 here. Think its to the point where you gotta offer more than just salary. Maybe if you can afford insurance, benefits.

 

I think you make a great point. Money is not the only motivator. Great working conditions, benefits, have confidence in the industry and in their future, are just some of things people look in a job. It often boils down to leadership, starting at the top. This is tough industry, the more we understand the workforce of today, the better we can plan for the future.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         13 comments
      Most shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
      The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
      Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
      And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.  
      Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
  • Upcoming Events

    • March 24, 2023 01:00 PM Until 09:00 PM
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      Hi all,
      AutoLeap is hosting Amplify 2023, a virtual auto repair conference for shop owners, on March 24. We have 22 incredible speakers, and 13 industry associations and training institutes participating in this virtual event. The conference is free of cost.
      You can book your complimentary, virtual seat today using this link: https://bit.ly/3EXvfWY
      Amplify 2023 speakers include: Joe Marconi, Co-Owner AutoShopOwner and Elite Business Coach @Joe Marconi Aaron Stokes, ShopFix Academy Cecil Bullard, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching Darrin Barney, Elite “G” Jerry Truglia, Automotive Technician Training Services Greg Bunch, Transformers Institute Jeremy O'Neal, AdvisorFix The conference will cover essential topics such as:
      Navigating through the current industry challenges Tackling the technician shortage through employee retention Creating memorable customer experiences Growing & expanding your business in 2023 Financial planning & KPIs to measure And that’s not all.
      The interactive, dynamic conference also offers live networking opportunities, and fun games and prizes.
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