Page 26 - On The Move - Volume 17, Issue 1

THE SHOP

I
D S U P T E R:
R

DO YOU

HAVE ONE?

I

TROUBLE

nless you have been hiding in a cave off-grid, you are fully aware of the shortage of Automotive
UTechnicians in our industry. I’ve heard lots of talk on this subject, and possible remedies for the
situation. We all know that the new generation entering the workforce is not like those that came before.
They have been blessed with many of the necessities in life for which previous generations had to work
their butts off. If you ask some millennials where meat comes from, they very well might answer “Arby’s”.
All jokes aside, in my 31-year automotive career, I’ve seen many things change. I remember when you
adjusted a race car engine with a screwdriver, a 9/16’’ wrench, and maybe a timing light (if you were
really a true professional). Today, go to a drag racing event and all you see is laptops on the roof of
cars and drivers staring emphatically at the screen. Adjustments to the car are now made by the stroke
of a keyboard and click of a mouse. I remember when every technician in a service department was on
a flat rate pay plan. Now? There can be as many as five different pay plans for technicians to choose
from. I’ve heard of shops installing gaming systems in the break rooms for technicians to enjoy on their

By Matthew Beard
MAADA Director
of Fixed Operations

24 www.maada.com