NIEUWS

How Technical Schools Can Enhance Technician Retention and Skills (Article 2/3)

16 dec. 2024

The life of a technician varies significantly depending on whether they work in the field or in a shop. Field technicians often earn higher wages but must be prepared for the demands of being on call 24/7. In contrast, shop technicians typically enjoy a more predictable schedule, usually from 7 to 4.

Field technicians are often seen as the elite within the maintenance industry. They are the first responders to equipment breakdowns, working directly at the client's location. This role requires a high level of independence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Field technicians must be ready to diagnose and repair equipment in unpredictable environments, often with limited resources. Imagine a technician driving through the night to reach a remote site, battling the elements and using only a flashlight to fix a critical machine breakdown. The adrenaline, the high stakes, and the satisfaction of getting the equipment running again are what drive many in this role.

Shop technicians, on the other hand, work in a controlled environment but face their own set of challenges. Their work is supposed to be more routine, focusing on scheduled maintenance and repairs, but chaos can strike at any moment. Unexpected repairs come in, grease and mess are a constant, and sometimes the 7 to 4 schedules can't be honored. Picture a shop technician covered in grease, juggling multiple urgent repairs, and staying late to ensure all machines are up and running for the next day's work. While the shop environment might offer some stability, it comes with its own pressures and demands.

Despite the critical roles these technicians play, increasing dropout rates among technicians are making headlines, suggesting that becoming a diesel technician is not a desirable career path for the younger generation. Yet, this profession offers a rewarding and potentially profitable career, crucial to many industries. The dropout rates and lack of proper training affect both field and shop technicians. Many technicians leave to work for competitors, go independent, or quit the field altogether. Addressing these issues is crucial for retaining skilled technicians and ensuring the industry's future.

One way to address this is by focusing on technical schools, where the foundation of a technician's career is built. Embracing technology is becoming increasingly important in the technician's role, and this should start at the trade school level. Technical schools must review their programs to ensure they cover electronics comprehensively. Unfortunately, many programs still only lightly touch on electronics and diagnostics. Technicians with a robust background and practical approach to these areas will have a significant advantage in the job market.

For both field and shop technicians, modern diagnostics often start with plugging in a computer to read engine codes before any physical work begins. This technological shift means technicians must be as comfortable with software as they are with a wrench. The skill of interpreting data is crucial. Just as computer engineers and data analysts are highly valued in various industries, technicians who can navigate the analytical part of the repair process will be invaluable. Mechanics who know how to fix equipment are fundamental, but those who can read and interpret data to extract predictive and preventive conclusions will stand out.

Predictive maintenance, which uses telematics and data analysis to anticipate failures before they occur, allows for more efficient and less costly repairs. This proactive approach helps maximize vehicle uptime and reduce unplanned downtime, which is critical in maintaining the efficiency of operations. Technicians skilled in predictive maintenance save their companies time and money, making them invaluable assets.

Technical schools must carefully consider the two possible paths—shop or field—that their students might take. By tailoring training to fit these paths, schools can keep students engaged and provide the industry with young professionals who meet current demands. This approach would significantly increase technician retention rates across fleets and dealerships.

By emphasizing comprehensive training, fair compensation, and career growth opportunities, the industry can attract and retain talent in this vital field. It's about creating a pathway where technicians feel valued and see a future. Whether in the field or the shop, technicians thrive when they are given the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. A well-structured career development approach can lead to thriving professionals who are essential to the industry's success.

Imagine a world where technicians feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work, where their expertise is recognized and rewarded, and where they have clear paths for growth and advancement. This vision can become a reality if we invest in their training, provide them with the necessary tools, and create environments where they can flourish.