An auto, diesel, and aviation industry nonprofit released a harrowing report on a concerning mechanic shortage.
The article from MotorBiscuit discusses a significant shortage of automotive technicians in the U.S., with a need to fill approximately 971,000 mechanic positions over the next five years. This shortage is attributed to several factors including an aging workforce, with many current mechanics nearing retirement, and a lack of new entrants into the field due to perceptions of the job being dirty, low-paying, and requiring long hours. The report highlights that the automotive industry is evolving with new technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which require specialized skills that many current mechanics might not possess. This skills gap is exacerbated by the fact that educational programs are not keeping pace with these technological advancements. Efforts are being made to attract younger workers through better pay, benefits, and by promoting the high-tech nature of modern automotive repair, but the challenge remains significant.