DealerPRO Training, a provider of specialized fixed operations training for over 25 years, launched the Technician Career Path program to tackle the shortage of automotive technicians nationwide. The program is designed to help dealerships grow their staff and service businesses.  In today's automotive industry, the demand for auto technicians is at an all-time high, leading to fierce competition among new-car dealers and independent repair shops to recruit and retain skilled professionals. To overcome the challenge, some dealerships have adopted innovative recruitment strategies, such as setting up booths at local car and coffee events to attract and engage with potential new technicians.

The National Automotive Dealer's Association has reported a significant disparity between the demand for automotive technicians and the number of graduates from tech schools. With fewer than 40,000 automobile technicians graduating this year and over 80,000 new technicians required across the country, the shortage has become a pressing challenge for the automotive industry. The issue is further exacerbated by consumers holding onto their vehicles for longer periods due to the chip shortage and reduced new-vehicle inventory, leading to an increased need for service repairs.

To address theshortage and provide a clear career path for dealership employees, DealerPRO Training developed the Technician Career Path, or TCP program in collaboration with industry experts, including Don Reed, a former automotive dealer who founded the company.

TCP focuses on training entry-level service employees, such as porters, detail shop, and quick-lane employees, to improve their skills and advance to C-level technicians. By offering a comprehensive two-phase training program comprising classroom and hands-on learning, TCP equips participants with a deeper understanding of automotive systems, including tires and alignments; steering and suspension; brakes; fuel and ignition; drivetrain; and heating, cooling and air conditioning systems.

"The Technician Career Path program provides a much-needed solution to the technician shortage we are facing today," Reed said. "By investing in our current staff and offering a clear path for career progression, we can support our technicians in achieving their potential and foster better employee retention."

Thomas Pina, COO of Sames Automotive, said that after implementing the TCP plan, it received eight applications from employees for the initial training.

The dealership's training program offers a comprehensive understanding of automotive systems. The program consists of two five-day training sessions approximately 30 days apart.  During phase one, students learn the fundamentals of automotive technology, which they can build upon in future training. In phase two, students have the opportunity for hands-on learning and will be introduced to specific shop equipment. Phase three covers maintenance work.

TCP plans to expand into other industries, such as independent automotive repair shops, heavy trucks, RVs, and marine.