A SIGNIFICANT lack of trained mechanics is expected to cause a nationwide impact across the whole automotive industry.
Despite an uptick in people entering the transportation workforce, there are not nearly enough new mechanics to replace those planning to retire this year.
In 2024, there was an increase of 2.8% in the national automotive technician industry, according to a study done by the Techforce Foundation.
However, the small percentage isn’t enough to cover the four-to-one replacement need ratio of retiring mechanics to incoming ones.
Honolulu Community College diesel program instructor Bobby Salvatierra told local NBC affiliate KHON that his automotive program is “flourishing.”
“We could use a lot more technicians of course,” he said.
“I mean all the graduates almost always finds a job, so you know its not a saturated environment.”
The lack of mechanics could cause longer wait times for those needing repairs and may raise prices.
“It’s going to be a big impact, a negative one, which, now you’ve got to wait weeks, maybe months to even get your car repaired,” Salvatierra said.
The average price for an automotive repair in Hawaii is about $220 per hour, meaning new mechanics could quickly enter into a very lucrative career.
“A journeyman technician can make a six-figure income in a diesel field,” Salvatierra said.
Experts speculate that a negative stigma perpetuated by social media against trade workers has caused the decline in mechanics.
Some blame car influencers on TikTok and Instagram for dissuading young people from joining the automotive industry.
“One of the biggest factors affecting the technician shortage is society tends to look down upon the industry,” Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions told FOX Business.
“Fair or not, there is still a negative stigma surrounding the profession.”
“The solution is to recruit them, train them, pay them, and treat them well so you keep them, offering competitive compensation, professional development and creating a shop culture that values feedback.”
Plus, an increased workload due to the longevity of cars is also thought to be a reason some choose to pursue a different career.
“The high price of new and used cars means people keep their cars longer. Therefore, more repairs,” Autotrader’s executive editor Brian Moody told FOX Business.
How to avoid being scammed at the repair shop
Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.
Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that’s impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn’t done. Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done. Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc. Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out. For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it’s likely to be true. Test a new shop with minor issues you’re aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill. If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill. Get everything on paper. Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary.Source: Motorautocar, AARP
Moody mentioned that the average age of a used car on the road today is just over 12 years old.
Companies such as AAA are working towards promoting trade careers to younger people.
AAA partnered with NAPA Autotech to launch an automotive apprenticeship program to help train future generations of mechanics.
“Growing technicians from within will be the key to success for our industry’s future and both NAPA and AAA have built a strong path to lead the way,” Scott Kochetta, NAPA Autotech training sales and business development director, said in a statement.
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