Technicians are hard to find

[Framingham Auto Service]

I'ts anybody having a hard time finding technicians?

I have tried craigslist and other posting methods with no luck!

Any inputs.....

 

Thanks.

[xrac]

I talk to all my vendors, to all my outside sales reps, all the tool guys, and all my techs. Do you know anyone looking for a job? Who have you worked with that is a really good tech? Do you know anyone not happy where they are at? I also review candidates on the state sponsored unemployment jobs site.

[alfredauto]

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.

[national autoworks]

the million dollar question...

[mikesauto2427]

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.

[rjbradlow]

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 June 23, 2014 by rjbradlow

[Gary A]

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!

[5 Star Auto Spa]

We have the same issues as everyone else that has posted here. We have posted on Indeed.com with some success. We have tried the local paper, craigslist, tech school candidates, and the Internet at Indeed.

[mikesauto2427]

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 hour

[mikesauto2427]

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

[Joe Marconi]

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!

[Kevo]

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

[Dee1234]

$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.

[Joe Marconi]

$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.