- April 23, 2024
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Local auto shop is looking to attract qualified candidates.
Things have changed since the days when young people leaned into the engine compartment of a car under a shade tree, changing parts and fixing problems.
Cars have become rolling computers, requiring sophisticated tools and knowledge.
Unfortunately, according to Rissy Sutherland, COO of Honest-1 Auto Care, a national franchise company, the job of mechanic still has the “grease monkey, blue-collar” image and is not attracting young workers.
She said these factors have combined to create a nationwide shortage of mechanics. That’s why she and others are trying to spread the word that the job is not the blue collar job it was once, but is suitable for young people interested in such areas as information technology and engineering.
“It’s more important to have a college degree,” she said.
Eric Sewell, owner of an Honest-1 franchise set to open in February at 720 S. Nova Road, said the perception of mechanics needs to be changed.
“If you like to play with video games, we’ve got some high tech games here,” he said, referring to computer diagnostics and other software.
Sewell said many high schools have dropped vocational training, or haven’t kept their equipment current with modern technology.
He said today’s mechanics need skills in math, science and computers.
To attract certified mechanics, Sewell said it’s important to offer a better working environment, benefits and very competitive wages.
“You need to treat people as a team,” he said.
Along with hiring master mechanics, he said they will also hire some entry level workers, and help them get degrees and become certified by the American Society of Mechanics.
Sutherland said the company offers an education reimbursement plan for people with the right aptitude and attitude, and some basic skills.
She said the company also is looking at partnering with universities to develop internship programs.
“If we don’t do something now, we’re going to have more shops than technicians,” she said.
Sewell said he hopes to work with local high schools to encourage young people to go into the field. For example, the American Automobile Association and Ford Motor Co. sponsor a contest for high school students to see how quickly they can diagnose and resolve automotive problems using modern technology.
“This gives them a feel for what is happening now in shops,” he said.
Sewell, who also own two Honest-1 franchises in the Orlando area, said he wants to visit technical colleges and talk to them about the need.
He said the Honest-1 Auto Care shop that will open in Ormond Beach will not reflect the old image of a garage. He said working conditions have changed and his shop will have a clean, attractive environment “like any other business.”
They are also paying attention to the customer experience, with a play area for kids, café and computer area.”
“It’s not like the old waiting room with some Popular Mechanics magazines,” he said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports on its Web site that demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics should be very good in the next 10 years, especially for those with training in advanced automotive technology.
Percent change in employment: 2012 to 2022
Total, all occupations: 11%’
Installation, maintenance and repair occupations: 10%
Automotive service technicians and mechanics: 9%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
