{"id":5151,"date":"2024-06-18T21:32:34","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T21:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/partstech.com\/?post_type=resource-hub&p=5151"},"modified":"2024-07-11T16:36:52","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T16:36:52","slug":"cultivating-technician-talent-the-power-of-mentorship-in-auto-repair-shops","status":"publish","type":"resource-hub","link":"https:\/\/partstech.com\/resource\/blog\/cultivating-technician-talent-the-power-of-mentorship-in-auto-repair-shops\/","title":{"rendered":"Cultivate Technician Talent: The Power of Mentorship in Auto Repair Shops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We recently shared an article<\/a> summarizing the thoughts and opinions of a couple of dozen auto technicians to help amplify their voices in the industry. One of the themes that emerged in our conversations with them was \u201ctechnician mentorship.\u201d One technician emphasized the need for solid mentors for apprentices: \u201cApprentice technicians must be assigned to a competent mentor and not left to sink or swim.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To explore why technician mentorship is crucial and help you consider its implementation in your shop, we spoke with Scott Brown, owner of Connie & Dick\u2019s Service Center Inc.<\/a> in Claremont, California. \u201cI agree that mentorship needs more focus.\u201d says Scott, \u201cI\u2019ve been growing mentorship in my shop, and it makes a big difference.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With 40 years of industry experience and a passion for fostering learning and growth, Scott provides compelling reasons to make mentorship a core focus in every auto repair shop and tips to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFeet to the Fire\u201d \u2014 The Common Experience for New Technicians<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Scott started as a full-time technician in a shop fresh out of trade school. As he describes it, \u201cIt was like having my feet held to the fire when I got my first job in a shop. I was surrounded by seasoned technicians who had been in the trade for a long time, yet I received no help, no mentorship. It felt like I was always trekking uphill. I had to figure everything out by myself.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this challenging experience as a young technician, Scott thought the shop he worked for was an outlier \u2014  that his experience was unique to that particular shop. Yet, as he moved up and around in his career, he realized that his experience was standard for most new technicians in most shops across the industry. This was troubling Scott, who began seeking ways to foster technician learning. He started back in the late \u201980s (pre-internet) by joining the Compuserve \u201cFor Tech\u2019s Only\u201d forum, launching The Garage BBS,<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

and then combining forces at the Auto-TechNet internet mailing list, which then transformed into the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN)<\/a>. After leaving that service, he co-founded the Diagnostic Network<\/a> to create online spaces for technicians to learn from each other, help each other, and grow together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These online communities are very positive, rich resources for technicians to proactively seek help and share their knowledge. Scott encourages technicians to participate in such communities regardless of where they are in their careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Scott believes that intentional technician mentorship must also happen inside shops<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Your Shop Needs to Start Mentoring Young Techs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Address the Technician Shortage with Mentorship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The auto repair industry is facing a significant challenge in hiring skilled technicians. Scott states, “The good technicians are already employed in environments where they feel valued. If they have found a shop they like, they aren\u2019t going to jump ship to come to yours.” This underscores the necessity for shops to train and mentor young technicians, cultivating a workplace that is both supportive and appealing. The other hard truth is that many of the industry’s most talented technicians are about to age out and retire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scott says, \u201cI think the proper recipe is to look for young technicians either currently in or fresh out of trade school and nurture them from the ground up. It\u2019s like planting and caring for a garden to ensure it thrives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build Your Ideal Team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scott advocates that a robust internal training and mentorship strategy allows shops to build an ideal team of technicians. He has experienced firsthand that a shop can cultivate a skilled workforce ready to advance and thrive by investing in young technicians and offering a clear career pathway. \u201cThis approach not only helps minimize the development of bad habits (because they are never introduced) but also creates a supportive atmosphere that promotes success,\u201d says Scott. Implementing such a mentorship strategy ensures the team is aligned with the operational goals and desired work ethics \u2014 fostering a harmonious and productive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Implementing Technician Mentorship in Your Auto Shop <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few tips from Scott to help get your shop started in effectively mentoring technicians:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Buy-In from Your Current Team of Technicians <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To successfully create a culture of learning and mentorship, your experienced technicians must be willing to share their knowledge and support newer technicians in their growth and development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to let your current technicians know that they are doing a great job and that you\u2019d like their expertise in helping the industry create a pipeline of up-and-coming technicians.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a Structured Mentor Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have a plan. Scott\u2019s shop uses the Mentor Mentee<\/a> app to provide task lists and structured learning experiences for apprentices. This helps the apprentice and the mentoring technician stay on course to hit learning milestones and goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your young technicians grounded in your shop’s functional operations. Ensure they get experience processing the multiple job types and vehicles your shop services. \u201cHelp them experience a whole gamut of challenges,\u201d says Scott. And throughout it all, have someone alongside them to help them successfully wade through each challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every shop is unique. As a shop owner, you must ensure that your technician mentoring strategy includes the proper training and mentorship tailored to your shop\u2019s operations and specialties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create Space for Feedback and Collaboration <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have meetings with your technicians who are under your shop\u2019s mentorship. Find out what\u2019s working and what\u2019s not. Then, figure out how to fine-tune and move forward better and stronger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fostering the Next Generation of Technicians Requires Proactive Involvement Across the Industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to participating in online communities and mentoring new technicians in your shop, Scott encourages shop owners and seasoned technicians to be proactive about attracting and retaining the next generation of technicians in the industry: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engage with Educational Institutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s some ideas from Scott: <\/p>\n\n\n\n