Auto technicians will be in high demand over next decade

As a teenager, I often wandered into the shop at my father's Toyota dealership to talk about cars with the technicians.

One day, a technician using a cutting torch accidentally started a fire under the hood. He asked me to fetch some water, and so I grabbed a jug of water and poured it onto the flames. Except, the liquid was actually turpentine, and the resulting fireball scorched my eyebrows and hair and gave me a heck of a scare.

Since then, I've been less inclined to lend a hand in the service department, and am far more respectful of the technicians who work there.

Automotive technicians play a crucial role in the success of service departments at new-car dealerships. They don't often receive the recognition they deserve, although that seems to be changing with the popularity of certain TV shows (American Chopper) and the rock star status of NASCAR personalities.

The public may be slow to appreciate automotive technicians, but those working in the industry appear quite pleased with their jobs.

According to the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service, an organization that provides human resource development and training for the automotive repair industry, 85 per cent of employees surveyed said they are proud to be working in the industry (an increase from 78 per cent in 2004).

The survey reported that 68 per cent of employees have a positive perception of the industry as a place to work, and 71 per cent would recommend the industry to young people as a good place to work.

Despite the high satisfaction ratings, the auto industry still struggles with finding skilled technicians. Within the next decade, baby boomer technicians employed at dealerships will be retiring en masse, creating a huge potential shortage in the market.

The automotive industry, provincial government and educational institutions are well aware of this expected shortfall, and each is doing its part to promote automotive technology as a viable career choice for young people.

For men and women interested in a career as an auto technician, the field is wide open. Dozens of colleges throughout Ontario offer vocational programs in automotive technology, and placement levels are above 85 per cent. Most dealerships offer co-op placements, where students get paid to learn on the job, and the work is part of their curriculum.

Today's automotive technicians must possess a multitude of skills and a strong aptitude for learning. They must also have a solid understanding of the latest diagnostic tools, PCs and wireless, hand-held computers in troubleshooting problems.

As vehicle components and systems have become more sophisticated, so too have technicians become experts in specific areas.

At dealerships today, technicians specialize in areas such as engine repair, electrical, brakes, wheel alignment, heating systems, air conditioning and transmission repair.

The mechanical components of cars are constantly changing, and that's why technicians must be kept abreast of any technical advances. Dealerships invest thousands of dollars each year to update technicians on mechanical systems and warranty issues, and technicians are paid while they are being trained.

Many young people considering a career as a technician will want to know how much money they can earn. Like most professions, there is a sliding income scale, depending on one's level of skill, place of employment, willingness to learn, etc. But a highly trained automotive technician can earn between $65,000 and $100,000 per year.

If you are serious about pursuing a career in this field, contact a college that offers courses in automotive technology. Or speak to a service advisor or technician at any new car dealership.

This column represents the views of TADA. Email: president@tada.ca

or visit tada.ca.

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