Two Jersey City dealership owners told Fox News Digital they’re not entirely convinced an EV should be the only vehicle in a home.
there is one increasing shortage of mechanics In America, workers are increasingly leaving the industry. Industry experts warn that the issue is that there are not enough workers to replace them.
“Younger workers don’t see the value in ‘hands-on’ work,” Brian Moody, executive editor of AutoTrader, told Fox Business.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 67,800 vacancies for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year through 2033. The department attributes many of these vacancies to the need to replace workers who leave the business, either by transferring to different areas or by retiring.
This comes at a time when millions of vehicle owners are already behind on some auto repairs like oil changes and tire rotation, according to recent data from CarFax. The company said that neglecting such repairs is not only dangerous, but also costly.
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“The automotive industry is at a crossroads There is a severe shortage of talented mechanics. from an aging workforce, fewer program graduates and the rapid evolution of vehicle technology,” CP Racing crew chief Dustin Wilander told Fox Business.
Not only are many experienced technicians leaving the field, but Wilander said younger generations are also “choosing careers in industries like technology and health care.”
A mechanic arrives at an auto shop to collect his tools. (iStock/iStock)
According to Moody, there are several factors that prevent people from entering this profession, including the salary structure at larger shops.
Some mechanics are only paid for an “acceptable number of hours” it takes to fix a problem, which is set by the shop or the vehicle’s manufacturer, he said. For example, if a job’s flat rate is based on two hours and the employee takes one hour to complete the job, he or she will still be paid for two hours of work. However, if the work takes more time, they will still be paid on the basis of two hours of work.
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Moody said social media is contributing to this trend by convincing people that there are easier ways to earn a living. he pointed towards The rise of “car influencers” As an example, compare this with the declining number of people entering the car repair industry.
The second issue is that workload has increased, making work less desirable.
An auto mechanic checks the underbody of a car. (Pia Bayer/Picture Alliance via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“The higher price of new and used cars means people keep their cars longer. Therefore, there are more repairs,” Moody said. He said the average age of a used car on the road today is more than 12 years.
Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions highlighted another major issue preventing younger generations from entering the industry: the stigma attached to such jobs.
“One of the biggest factors influencing the technician shortage is that society looks down on the industry. Whether it’s justified or not, there is still a negative stigma surrounding the profession,” Coleman told Fox Business.
The shortage of mechanics in the US is growing as workers continue to be phased out of the industry. (iStock/iStock)
Coleman said, “The solution is to recruit them, train them, pay them and treat them well so you can retain them, offering competitive compensation, professional development and creating a shop culture that values feedback. ”
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Some programs are already attempting to help boost the workforce. For example, AAA, in collaboration with NAPA Autotech, recently launched a new automotive apprenticeship program to help prepare the next generation of automotive repair professionals in the industry. The program is made available to AAA approved auto repair facilities.
“Growing technicians from within will be key to success for the future of our industry and both NAPA and AAA have forged a strong path to lead,” Scott Cochetta, NAPA AutoTech training sales and business development director, said in a statement.
