Around the country, dealerships are scrambling for more service technicians. By 2026, it’s projected that there will need to be 46,000 more techs. That’s a 6% growth rate from 2016.
The number could be larger, too. Think about those who are quitting. An industry shortage of 20-25k techs is predicted in the near future.
So, what can you do to keep the service techs happy at your dealership so that these numbers don’t impact your business?
Understanding some of the reasons why techs might not be as happy as they could be is your key to success. Keep your repair department running smoothly and take note of what you should focus on.
Improve Company Culture
Half of all entry-level techs are leaving within two years of employment. One of the reasons ties in directly with company culture!
Think about it. At any job, people want to feel appreciated. In a service-related job, this desire goes up – but often, techs are in the background and don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Things as simple as taking the time to greet your employees and checking in on them from time to time can make a big difference. Giving out recognition awards at meetings and a bonus here and there doesn’t hurt, either. Equip your techs with nice locker rooms and climate-controlled garages so they can do their job comfortably.
Update your Pay Structure
When it comes to the service department, many still operate on a flat rate structure when it comes to paying their techs.
This means that jobs are looked at with a labor time guide and given a predetermined rate. If a job takes 2 hours to complete, the tech will get paid for an hour’s worth of time even if it took more or less time.
This leaves techs guessing what they might make in a given day, and perhaps worse – many dealerships can’t promise a work week equaling 40 hours.
Give your technicians what they deserve and start paying them hourly. This allows them to focus on the quality of their work and will give them a lot more motivation to come in every day. Security is a form of currency in itself.
Remove Barriers
Make the process easier for techs to get started in the field by removing some of the roadblocks that lead them to you.
Many new techs are heading to dealers right after paying for trade school – and then they’re expected to use their own money to purchase equipment and tools out-of-pocket.
Set a reasonable salary expectation and think about buying tools for them once they’ve reached a milestone (working for 120 days at the dealer, let’s say). Give them a clear career path and early incentives. Don’t hesitate to attend career days at local high schools to try and cultivate talent yourself – you don’t always have to wait for it to come to you!
These are just a few things to think about when it comes to attracting and keeping the best technicians at your service department. Remember: a good technician drives profits to your dealership, so the investment you give up front will pay off.
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Service departments across the country are facing an alarming shortage of talented technicians. Here’s your guide to attracting, nurturing, and keeping the best techs in the industry at your service department so you can thrive in spite of harsh conditions.
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