Finding a mechanic is literally IMPOSSIBLE right now!

Summary

The video highlights the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry, emphasizing the challenges of finding skilled and reliable workers. The speaker shares personal experiences, describing how even basic requirements for technician roles have significantly lowered. Many experienced technicians have left the field for desk jobs or other trades due to poor pay, hard physical work, and burnout. The shortage is so severe that even car washers are being trained as junior technicians, highlighting the industry's decline in quality and standards, especially for specialty vehicles. The overall sentiment reflects a disillusionment with the profession in 2024.

Takeaways

• 😀 Technician shortage is severe in 2024, with reliable workers being hard to find.
• 😀 Many technicians are leaving the industry for desk jobs, especially at EV companies like Tesla.
• 😀 The younger generation is not interested in becoming technicians due to low pay, hard physical work, and long training requirements.
• 😀 The flat rate pay system and challenging work conditions are driving experienced technicians away.
• 😀 Specialty vehicles, like imported Japanese cars, are even harder to service due to the technician shortage.
• 😀 Even car washers are now being trained as technicians because of the lack of qualified candidates.
• 😀 Job requirements for technicians have lowered drastically, with some positions now only requiring a driver's license and punctuality.
• 😀 The pay and working conditions in the automotive technician field are making it less attractive for skilled workers.
• 😀 A significant number of experienced technicians have shifted careers, some to other trades like plumbing or electrical work.
• 😀 The industry's decline is creating a cycle where lower-quality technicians are filling roles that once required experience and training.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

The main issue discussed is the technician shortage in the automotive industry, specifically the difficulty in finding qualified, reliable, and experienced technicians.

Why is it difficult to find a good technician in 2024?

It is difficult to find a good technician due to the physically and mentally challenging nature of the job, low pay, and the lack of interest from younger generations who prefer easier, higher-paying desk jobs in industries like tech.

What are some of the reasons experienced technicians are leaving the field?

Experienced technicians are leaving the field due to low pay, physically demanding work, mental and emotional strain, and the allure of higher-paying and less demanding desk jobs in companies like Tesla and other EV manufacturers.

How has the technician hiring process changed over time?

In the past, dealerships had strict hiring requirements, such as a degree and years of experience. However, the current process is much more lenient, with minimal requirements such as showing up on time and having a driver's license.

What role do car washers play in the technician shortage?

Car washers are now being considered the first candidates for technician roles due to the shortage of qualified technicians. Many of these individuals have little to no prior experience but are being trained on the job.

What is the significance of the 'flat rate system' in the automotive industry?

The 'flat rate system' refers to how technicians are paid based on the amount of work they complete rather than an hourly wage. This system can contribute to frustration, as technicians may not be compensated well for their time, especially if the work is difficult or slow.

Why is it hard for technicians to stay in the field long-term?

It is hard for technicians to stay in the field long-term because the job is physically demanding, mentally taxing, and emotionally draining. Additionally, the low pay and lack of career growth opportunities make it difficult for many to remain in the profession.

What is the impact of the technician shortage on the quality of service?

The technician shortage has led to a decrease in the quality of service, as many of the available technicians are less experienced, with some even coming from non-technical backgrounds such as car washing. This compromises the skill and expertise needed to work on vehicles properly.

How does the youth's attitude toward work affect the technician shortage?

The youth today are less interested in becoming technicians due to the high level of training required, low pay, and the physically demanding nature of the work. Many young people prefer easier, better-paying jobs in other industries, such as tech, which contributes to the shortage.

What personal anecdote does the speaker share about the state of the industry?

The speaker shares an anecdote about visiting an old dealership where he learned that car washers were now being promoted to technician roles due to the shortage of qualified candidates. This highlights the current state of the industry, where the bar for hiring has been lowered significantly.