In a recent report from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, the demand for auto technicians in our state has nearly doubled from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021. Only 48,000 training programs were completed in 2020. By 2025, it is projected that demand in California for new automotive, diesel, and collision technicians is expected to rise to 797,530. And, as of November 2022, there are over 1,500 open technician positions across Southern California. That is a grim reality for some business owners to face, and it could have devastating effects if not addressed.

The current labor shortages and the projected need for qualified technicians has pushed us to ask hard questions. How did this happen? Why is there a technician shortage? What are we going to do to turn around this looming problem?

There are a number of factors contributing to this problem. Here are a few of them to consider:

• Negative industry perception can be a problem. Society holds an outdated perception that this is a dirty, unprofessional career. This couldn’t be farther from the truth and part of this stigma leads back to the way technicians present themselves. It is important that dealerships and shop owners start to hold technicians to a higher standard. They need to ensure technicians are being professional, staying up-to-date on training, and wearing a clean uniform. Technicians are smart, well-trained individuals, and we need to shine a light on that.
• Work environment is important and has become a much bigger factor when it comes to people pursuing job opportunities. Potential employees want to work at places where they can feel like part of a family. They want to be able to walk in to work each morning and love what they do, not dread it. Making sure that your technicians feel appreciated goes a long.
  Additionally, as our workforce changes, dealers and shops should be prepared for the employees of tomorrow. Having restroom facilities to accommodate all employees seems like a simple thing, but it is often overlooked. Employees with families often benefit from flexible schedules. Offering mental healthcare in your benefits package goes a long way in building a caring company culture. You may not be in a place to implement all of these suggestions right now, but you should still be asking the question, “Is my business ready?”
• A lack of promoting the industry furthers the problem. For decades, students who have struggled academically were the ones that teachers encouraged to get involved in the trades. This is an awful precedent to set for those working in the automotive industry. Guidance counselors and instructors seem to be stuck in an outdated mindset that if you go to college and go on to get a corporate office job, then you will be successful. This train-of-thought needs to change.
  People just assume auto technicians will always be around when their car breaks down, but if we don’t start promoting this as a viable career option, it is possible that someday, there will be no one left to fix our cars.
  Choosing to become a technician is an excellent career choice. The pay is great and upward movement within companies is a very real possibility.

GLANCDA understands this issue and is doing their part to help. Through GLANCDA’s philanthropic giving, the organization continues to elevate the importance of workforce development and training opportunities available throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

“GLANCDA and its member dealers have long been dedicated supporters of growing the automotive workforce in the Los Angeles region, and it is now more important than ever to help support the training for the next generation of auto technology workers,” said Bob Smith, Executive Director of GLANCDA. “We’re very excited to introduce these kids and students to the many exciting opportunities available in the auto industry.”

Each year, GLANCDA hosts the Career Fair and Career Pathways event during the first two public days of the auto show. Attendees of the career event have the opportunity to engage with exhibitors who are focusing on electrification, culture, future mobility, and connectivity. As dealers, you can be a part of the solution. Did you know that the students that attend these events come prepared to talk to you, the exhibitor, about their future career? They are ready to be interviewed for a job and hopefully they leave with a job offer in hand. Actively participating in career events is a great way to recruit and hire well-trained auto technicians that are excited to make a difference.

In addition, GLANCDA works closely with local colleges to ensure that lines of communication are open and a constant stream of students are ready for a new and exciting career as a technician. There are opportunities for you to support these colleges as they visit local high schools and recruit potential students. From setting up booths to providing swag and snacks, these seemingly easy actions make a difference. And who knows, your contribution could be opening the door for countless potential technicians.

We recently sat down with two incredible women whom GLANCDA works closely with: Priscilla Englert of Citrus College and Wendy Lucko of Pasadena City College. We hope you enjoy reading the following stories and learning more about their journey to teaching and training the technicians of tomorrow as well as learning more about the colleges they work at and the degrees that are offered.

GLANCDA would like to thank Priscilla and Wendy for their time and hope that their stories inspire you to get involved in training the future generation.