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re: Is there a shortage of qualified mechanics?
Posted on 3/3/23 at 10:55 am to Dire Wolf
Posted on 3/3/23 at 10:55 am to Dire Wolf
I can’t quite figure out the mechanics I’ve dealt with recently for my older car.
I’ve spoken with probably 5 or 6 different mechanics is 3 different states and to a T they all bitch about how it’s hard for them to keep the business going or how there’s not enough work to go around. I literally had a guy who is very well known in the area for his expertise and very expensive tell me he doesn’t know how much longer he would be able to stay open.
I counted 23 cars in his shop and it took him over 2 months to get my 3-4 day project completed. He charges more per hour than most attorneys I know.
I had another mechanic essentially turn down a 5-6k job because he didn’t have the time or space.
Not a small part of me wishes I had started doing that out of high school. They charge 150-180 per hour and they turn down work. Yet for some reason they bitch about how tough a job it is lol.
I had a wiring issue in my headlights (old wiring deteriorated over time) 3 different mechanics told me it was replacement only and they wouldn’t consider repair. Replacement cost was about 4k. They could have said they’d repair for 1500 and I would have said yes immediately.
Found an electrician who did the repair perfectly and he charged me 150 bucks.
I’ve spoken with probably 5 or 6 different mechanics is 3 different states and to a T they all bitch about how it’s hard for them to keep the business going or how there’s not enough work to go around. I literally had a guy who is very well known in the area for his expertise and very expensive tell me he doesn’t know how much longer he would be able to stay open.
I counted 23 cars in his shop and it took him over 2 months to get my 3-4 day project completed. He charges more per hour than most attorneys I know.
I had another mechanic essentially turn down a 5-6k job because he didn’t have the time or space.
Not a small part of me wishes I had started doing that out of high school. They charge 150-180 per hour and they turn down work. Yet for some reason they bitch about how tough a job it is lol.
I had a wiring issue in my headlights (old wiring deteriorated over time) 3 different mechanics told me it was replacement only and they wouldn’t consider repair. Replacement cost was about 4k. They could have said they’d repair for 1500 and I would have said yes immediately.
Found an electrician who did the repair perfectly and he charged me 150 bucks.
This post was edited on 3/3/23 at 11:09 am
0
Posted on 3/3/23 at 10:57 am to dbeck
quote:
Saw an ad awhile back for a welding job. Wanted someone with 2-3 years experience welding TIG, MIG, and aluminum. Starting pay $18/hr
That's one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. Helpers make at least that much now.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 11:42 am to SaintlyTiger88
Yup.
Missing a generation gap.
Usually
Apprentice-
usually either out of school or on job training.
C level tech
Out of school land understand computer diagnostics. Still have to have work checked.
B level
Make mistakes
Typically can handle most jobs
Electrical trouble shoot skills decent
A tech
Train or do most jobs
Missing apprentices through C level techs as there a huge gap here.
This causes a gap in B and A level techs.
A level techs are retiring.
Missing a generation gap.
Usually
Apprentice-
usually either out of school or on job training.
C level tech
Out of school land understand computer diagnostics. Still have to have work checked.
B level
Make mistakes
Typically can handle most jobs
Electrical trouble shoot skills decent
A tech
Train or do most jobs
Missing apprentices through C level techs as there a huge gap here.
This causes a gap in B and A level techs.
A level techs are retiring.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 12:03 pm to johnnyrocket
After I graduated college the choices were limited.
Had a job in law enforcement back then, but overtime was limited.
Worked as a tech to pay for boat, kids in private school, vehicles for kids, and their college degrees.
Kids if you think that chick is hot. Look at her mom and add 3 kids. Then add you not only got to support the kids, but they expect more today. Now that real birth control there.
Went to vo tech at night to learn diesel mechanics under a free state program. Worked at a dealer for a few years while working my full time job at night. You have to invest in tools, box, etc. large dealers help offset these cost.
Once I saved enough cash.
I started a few outdoor power shops repairing motors and did some diesel work on the side.
Did well for myself.
Now that I am retired I work part time as a diesel tech. I did keep up to date on Cummins, Paccar, did Cat years ago, Mack/ Volvo and Allison training.
Most diesel techs like KW and Pete due to when you open the hood it is easier to get to things.
I like Mack/ Volvo as the dealer I worked for in California sold a lot of these. Use to working on them.
Part time I make $75 an hour.
Do not need benefits as I got a pension with benefits.
They just do not have the benefits or working conditions to compete with larger dealers for someone still under retirement age.
As fas as working 5 days a week.
It just very rough on my body at my age to work 5 days a week.
I do this to keep busy and I enjoy it.
I see more older people in my shop.
Young kids which they start them at $25 hr, do not stay as it way too rough for them.
FYI
Dealer techs on commission.
Takes awhile to learn how to write the story.
How you write to story to justify the hours on a job.
Usually smaller hr rate and commission.
Small shop tech
Usually pay hourly.
Had a job in law enforcement back then, but overtime was limited.
Worked as a tech to pay for boat, kids in private school, vehicles for kids, and their college degrees.
Kids if you think that chick is hot. Look at her mom and add 3 kids. Then add you not only got to support the kids, but they expect more today. Now that real birth control there.
Went to vo tech at night to learn diesel mechanics under a free state program. Worked at a dealer for a few years while working my full time job at night. You have to invest in tools, box, etc. large dealers help offset these cost.
Once I saved enough cash.
I started a few outdoor power shops repairing motors and did some diesel work on the side.
Did well for myself.
Now that I am retired I work part time as a diesel tech. I did keep up to date on Cummins, Paccar, did Cat years ago, Mack/ Volvo and Allison training.
Most diesel techs like KW and Pete due to when you open the hood it is easier to get to things.
I like Mack/ Volvo as the dealer I worked for in California sold a lot of these. Use to working on them.
Part time I make $75 an hour.
Do not need benefits as I got a pension with benefits.
They just do not have the benefits or working conditions to compete with larger dealers for someone still under retirement age.
As fas as working 5 days a week.
It just very rough on my body at my age to work 5 days a week.
I do this to keep busy and I enjoy it.
I see more older people in my shop.
Young kids which they start them at $25 hr, do not stay as it way too rough for them.
FYI
Dealer techs on commission.
Takes awhile to learn how to write the story.
How you write to story to justify the hours on a job.
Usually smaller hr rate and commission.
Small shop tech
Usually pay hourly.
This post was edited on 3/3/23 at 12:07 pm
Posted on 3/3/23 at 12:07 pm to notiger1997
quote:
That's one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. Helpers make at least that much now.
Apprentices start at a higher wage than $18. The best part of construction unions, they allow you a 4 year paid apprenticeship.
we've got some renovations going on in my building, its interesting to watch the dynamics between engineers, journeymen and apprentices.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 12:13 pm to johnnyrocket
My advice people who want to get in the industry.
- go to a good school to get the training before you are married with obligations.
- don’t get crazy on buying tools off tool truck.
Tools use a lot. Yes.
Tools you break. No that harbor freight tool.
Buy the tools you need.
Don’t buy extra tools you may not use.
Tool box - I would look at used one’s off tool truck which I got $15k one for $2,500, Craigslist, etc, even HomeDepot or Lowe’s. Don’t get stupid buying $15k box off the bat.
Go work for a dealer for a few years.
Suck it up.
Then get the mfg training, and your skills will get better.
Then when you are better you can move to a private shop or on your own as you have the reputation to build up a client base.
- go to a good school to get the training before you are married with obligations.
- don’t get crazy on buying tools off tool truck.
Tools use a lot. Yes.
Tools you break. No that harbor freight tool.
Buy the tools you need.
Don’t buy extra tools you may not use.
Tool box - I would look at used one’s off tool truck which I got $15k one for $2,500, Craigslist, etc, even HomeDepot or Lowe’s. Don’t get stupid buying $15k box off the bat.
Go work for a dealer for a few years.
Suck it up.
Then get the mfg training, and your skills will get better.
Then when you are better you can move to a private shop or on your own as you have the reputation to build up a client base.
This post was edited on 3/3/23 at 12:14 pm
Posted on 3/3/23 at 12:51 pm to johnnyrocket
JohnnyRocket has it correct!
Posted on 3/3/23 at 1:22 pm to johnnyrocket
quote:
go to a good school to get the training
does youtube count as a good school?
Posted on 3/3/23 at 1:25 pm to SaintlyTiger88
Shortage of qualified mechanics, contractors of all types, doctors, nurses, strong teachers, clerks of all types and for all kinds of stores, people who can do the simplest math, people who can think on their feet, people who will show up for work on time and consistently, etc, etc.
Blame the education system, the welfare system, the woke agenda, Obamacare, etc, etc.
Blame the education system, the welfare system, the woke agenda, Obamacare, etc, etc.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 2:24 pm to YOURADHERE
quote:
Some parts are also still tough to get too, my brother is a tech at a dealership here for a German car brand and said they're often waiting weeks for parts they used to be able to get in a day or so. He's been doing it about 5ish years and makes a pretty solid living, works in an AC/heated shop and seems to enjoy it.
Same thing goes for Japanese brands as well.
I had to replace the wiring harness for my Accord last summer; there were 4 in the entirety of the USA. Took a month for me to get my car back from the dealership who did the work.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 2:30 pm to MorbidTheClown
quote:
there's just a nationwide shortage of people who want to actually work for their money.
Well when you pay less than Chick-fil-A you can expect that. I know several marine companies who pay their deckhands absolute chump change.
Can I ask what “real work” you do for a living?
Posted on 3/3/23 at 2:47 pm to SaintlyTiger88
Yes, we told an entire generation they better get a degree or they are fricking losers.
The rest work in fast food.
The rest work in fast food.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 2:49 pm to TCO
quote:
Well when you pay less than Chick-fil-A you can expect that. I know several marine companies who pay their deckhands absolute chump change.
Lol, the labor rate to install some sensors is like $250/hr. you aint making that money at any chic fi la.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 3:06 pm to TCO
quote:
Well when you pay less than Chick-fil-A you can expect that
LOL you dumbasses see this online from a few sources and just repeat it
Posted on 3/3/23 at 3:44 pm to SaintlyTiger88
Well it sure can’t be because they aren’t charging enough.
My Dad had an estimate on his diesel from Robinson Bros. and their shop rate was $175/hr.
Needless to say the truck went somewhere else for the repairs.
My Dad had an estimate on his diesel from Robinson Bros. and their shop rate was $175/hr.
Needless to say the truck went somewhere else for the repairs.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 3:49 pm to SaintlyTiger88
I'm pretty sure that the quality issues that you're experiencing are because of a lack of diversity hiring in automotive repair shops. Next time, make sure that the shop you're going to prioritizes diversity over skill, ability, and experience.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 3:57 pm to SaintlyTiger88
Anybody have good one / trustworthy in Mandeville and Covington LA area?
Posted on 3/3/23 at 7:12 pm to AndyCBR
$175 an avg rate.
I don’t work on Fords.
I worked for friends who shops had a smaller truck shop.
Ford, biggest thing is finding a shop that has the Ford program.
You can change parts all day long.
If you cannot reprogram the truck after replacing parts, you will be back at a Ford dealer.
I don’t work on Fords.
I worked for friends who shops had a smaller truck shop.
Ford, biggest thing is finding a shop that has the Ford program.
You can change parts all day long.
If you cannot reprogram the truck after replacing parts, you will be back at a Ford dealer.
This post was edited on 3/3/23 at 7:13 pm
Posted on 3/3/23 at 7:31 pm to johnnyrocket
As far as learning online.
Mixed feelings.
Learning the classroom part or principal is great.
Still need to go out in the shop and get hands on training.
Work with a skilled tech on a vehicle.
Don’t get mad.
Older people are dealing with pain and slowing down to train someone.
We get grumpy.
Be patient and treat it like school.
Get the real world experience.
You will make mistakes.
Learn from the mistakes.
Always check your work!!!!
Always keep current on your training.
Mixed feelings.
Learning the classroom part or principal is great.
Still need to go out in the shop and get hands on training.
Work with a skilled tech on a vehicle.
Don’t get mad.
Older people are dealing with pain and slowing down to train someone.
We get grumpy.
Be patient and treat it like school.
Get the real world experience.
You will make mistakes.
Learn from the mistakes.
Always check your work!!!!
Always keep current on your training.
Posted on 3/3/23 at 7:49 pm to SaintlyTiger88
quote:
Is there a shortage of qualified mechanics?
Yes. I am have been around mechanic shops, dealers and independent shops, for many years.
Its been a huge issue ever since I can remember.
But it has been magnified exponentially since the 'scam-demic' aka Covid1984 for the last three years.
When our 'wise' US government started adding extra money onto unemployment checks, folks realized that the could sit at home making more money than sweating it out on a job.
The light & heavy duty vehicle mechanic trade is hard work as it is but with all the modules(chips), sensors, wiring harnesses, gadgets, bells & whistles on vehicle, plus diagnostic software, manuals to read through, wiring diagrams and schematics...its no wonder good qualified techs are hard to find.
Then there are the tools techs have to buy. Its a constant up-hill game they have to play.
A good tech is going to have at least $100K invested in his own tools.
Then top it all off with the crappy time the manufacturers pay the techs for warranty work.
There are lots of times even the factory technicians and engineers do not know what the problems are with vehicles.
The independent shops have it even worse. They usually cannot match the pay the dealers can pay their techs plus they usually have little or no benefits such as health insurance.
I have a family member who is a construction site supervisor. They have lots of problems and issues finding good qualified help.
They don't show up for work or they call in 'sick' or they are usually late.
A neighbor who has a plumbing business has the same issues. Folks show up late, the call in hungover from drinking too much the night before.
They lie about their jobs skills and qualifications and certifications.
Plus folks can go to work at a fast food joint for $15/hr.
I saw the other day that Target is paying $17.50/hr
And this is in Ouachita parish.
The manufacturers are trying a multitude of different ideas and incentives to recruit, train and retain good qualified technicians but it getting harder and harder every year.
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