From the Magazine: From green hires to gold standards

How shops can stop hunting for techs and start growing them

As I mentioned in my last article, this past year has presented me with the challenge of building a technician team from the ground up. This got me asking the big question: Why aren’t shop owners hiring “green” apprentices?

We know we need more techs; we know our current techs (including ourselves) are aging and will be retiring one day and we know younger techs will be more adaptable to new technologies. It’s also easier to train new habits instead of breaking old ones. 

The first answer came to me in a staff meeting. We were discussing the possibility of bringing on another “green” apprentice. My newest apprentice suggested that hiring someone new allowed us to have “levels of technicians” (her words). She saw an opportunity for her to train someone to do the basic maintenance work she has been doing, so she can start learning more complex tasks.

It’s also easier to train new habits instead of breaking old ones.

Ask yourself: Do I have someone in my shop that has been working for me for six months to a year, who I feel can be left unsupervised to perform DVIs, oil changes, tire repairs and basic R&R jobs? Do they show up on time every day, perform their tasks confidently, are trustworthy and can easily train someone the basics, while still learning new skills?

That’s your next basic services trainer. What you need to do is lay out a timed coaching plan for them (or with them, if they’re inclined), so they can help the new hire be successful in their role. This will ensure quality control is maintained and it will help develop new leaders in your business. 

The second answer dawned on me when a young woman came in asking about how to succeed in this industry. She is “green” and had recently been let go from a shop, as they didn’t have enough work for her to do. I realized that shops may not be marketing for all levels of work. You need a steady flow of basic maintenance (oil changes, tire work), higher level maintenance (transmission services, brake repairs), mechanical diagnosis and repairs (noises, leaks) and electrical or drivability diagnosis and repairs.

This allows you to have work for all levels of experience, ensuring that each technician is still producing profit for the business, while still learning and coaching. To accomplish this, you need to be performing thorough DVIs and presenting those findings to your clients. You need to be recommending maintenance services and booking the next appointment — this shows your clients that you believe in preventative maintenance.

Ask yourself: Am I attracting breakdown customers, who only have money to fix what’s broken, or do we present ourselves as a maintenance facility, attracting clients who are willing to pay for the value of preventing breakdowns?

You will still get breakdown customers but the goal will be to convert them to maintenance clients. You won’t change everyone’s hearts and minds, however, you will slowly build a clientele that will be worth more money and cause you less headaches. 

My advice: Start by taking a look at the work your shop does and see if there is basic work for a new apprentice. If there isn’t, work on getting those jobs in your bays.

You will still get breakdown customers but the goal will be to convert them to maintenance clients.

Next, look at your team and find your basic services trainer. If you don’t have someone you feel would succeed in that role, it might just be you the first time. Create a timed training plan (one to 10 months) starting with the proper use of tools and equipment and performing shop maintenance. Then move to basic automotive services and more intermediate maintenance and repairs.

Once you have work for a new apprentice and a plan to train them, find an apprentice who is ambitious, reliable and wants to learn this trade. There is no better feeling than passing on your knowledge to someone who wants it and can use it to be successful in their career. 

Erin Vaughan is the owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina.

This article originally appeared in the April issue of CARS magazine