The Automotive Technician Workforce : Challenges in Attracting, Educating, Retaining, and Developing Technicians in 2025.
David Macholz
Founder, President & CEO | Automotive Education and Credentialing - Doctoral Fellow Researching Automotive Certification
As we begin a new year, there are multiple issues we need to address within the industry to attract, educate, retain, and develop technicians.
Skills Mismatch and Brain Drain: The rapid evolution of vehicle technology (electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, etc.) creates a critical skills gap. Many technicians may lack the training and experience to diagnose and repair these modern systems.
To make matters worse, we are losing technician talent. According to statistics collected by Mark Cossitt (www.ase.com/statistics), there are over 100,000 less ASE certified automotive technicians than there were just ten years ago.
Median Pay: The median pay for automotive technicians may not be competitive enough to attract and retain top talent, especially compared to other skilled trades. While there is much debate around this subject (see WrenchWay ) the median pay for automotive technicians as of May 2023 is $47,770 according to the U.S. bureau of Labor Statistics. This number indicates half of the workforce (397,300 technicians) makes $47,770 or less.
Attracting and Retaining Talent: The industry struggles to attract young people to automotive careers. The perception of low wages and physically demanding work may deter potential candidates. High attrition rates, as much as 40-60% in the first three years, further exacerbate the talent shortage.
Inadequate Career Preparation: Many training programs may not adequately prepare graduates for the demands of the modern automotive workplace. Outdated curricula and insufficient hands-on experience can leave technicians ill-equipped to succeed.
Duplication of instruction is also a problem in secondary and post-secondary automotive programs. For example, Larry Engelbrecht found that graduates of 2-year high school automotive programs that pursue a 2-year associate’s degree program will repeat nearly half of the content they covered in high school.
Credentialing and Recognition: A lack of standardized credentialing and industry-recognized certifications can make it difficult to assess and validate technician skills. This can hinder career advancement and limit job mobility.
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Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including:
Investing in updated training programs: Focus on developing programs that incorporate the latest technologies and equip technicians with the skills needed to work on modern vehicles. Differentiate instruction from high school to college. Allow flexibility for programs to offer content that aligns with the needs of their regions. Develop educators and provide continuing education opportunities that go beyond 1-hour webinars and PowerPoint based instruction.
Improving career pathways: Create clear pathways for career advancement within the industry, including opportunities for specialization and leadership roles. Tie these pathways to credentials that allow technicians to demonstrate their skills. Encourage and reward continuing education.
Promoting the value of automotive careers: Highlight the rewarding aspects of the profession, such as job security, problem-solving opportunities, and the ability to grow in a variety of roles within the industry.
Developing robust credentialing systems: Establish industry-recognized certifications that validate technician skills and provide a clear measure of competency. This is a huge part of the work we are doing with AVTECC
Addressing wages and benefits: Increase wages and improve benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. Base pay increases on demonstration of professional development and skills attainment.
By addressing these challenges, the automotive industry can ensure it has a skilled and motivated workforce to support the continued evolution of transportation technology.
Want to learn more about my research and the organizations I’m working with to solve these problems? I'd love to connect. Feel free to reach out: [email protected]
This is a crucial topic for the industry. Attracting and retaining talent is always a challenge. What do you think are some effective strategies to engage and develop technicians moving forward?
Cypress College Automotive Instructor
1 个月I only read a small amount of comments so this s redundent I apoligize. In my opinion the largest problem in retaining talent is the students are sold on the fact that automotive is a good job. If there is not interest in car culture they should not be lead in an automotive pathway they are only going to fail
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1 个月David Macholz We launched our School of Thought (Automotive) program in 2020 after research we found quickly that there was a disconnect between the industry and education. We now promote careers to millions of students from year 9 to year 11. We set up a network of ambassadors who now visit schools all over the UK. Check out our website www.schoolofthoughtautomotive.co.uk
Business owner/Advanced computer analysis!
1 个月Attracting, educating, retaining, and developing automotive technicians in 2025 presents a unique set of challenges, shaped by industry changes, technological advancements, and broader societal shifts. The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous vehicles, and connected technologies reshaping the landscape. These shifts require a new generation of technicians with diverse skills and a willingness to adapt to change.
Business owner/Advanced computer analysis!
1 个月Educating Automotive Technicians: Adapting to Technological Change: As automotive technologies become more advanced, technician education must evolve to keep up. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and advanced electronics, the traditional skills taught in vocational schools and training programs may quickly become outdated. For example, the focus of training is shifting from purely mechanical knowledge (engines, transmissions, etc.) to understanding software, electrical systems, and high-voltage components. Insufficient EV and Advanced Technology Training: Many current programs may not be equipped to train technicians in emerging areas such as EVs, hybrid systems, and advanced diagnostics for connected cars. There’s a significant skills gap in areas like battery technology, electric drivetrains, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). Cost and Accessibility of Training: High-quality technical education, especially in emerging fields, often comes with a significant cost. Moreover, access to these programs can be limited, especially in rural or underserved areas. This lack of access is a barrier for many prospective technicians.