These days, it seems that we are wrestling with a technician shortage more than a driver shortage, and I don’t think I am imagining this.
TechForce Foundation’s 2024 Supply & Demand Report found an imbalance of technician supply vs. demand. The report made some projections about both replacement demand for technicians as well as the need to fill new positions. For 2025, the report predicted we would need 40,557 technicians to replace techs exiting the field and accommodate growth. They say that demand will grow to 43,739 by 2028.
In addition to the lack of people joining the technician ranks, according to WrenchWay’s most recent Voice of the Technician Report, job satisfaction among technicians declined in 10 areas compared to the survey conducted in 2023.
Interestingly, survey respondents were asked to name their top non-negotiable must-haves, which included proper shop equipment and paid training. Digging a little deeper into the results, 87% of technicians said proper shop equipment is a must-have, but only 58% said their current employer provides the equipment they need to do their jobs.
Clearly, we have work to do. If it’s been a while since you spoke with your current technicians, you might want to do that. Ask them if you have properly equipped the shop with the tools and equipment they need to complete repairs efficiently and effectively. Given the rapid advancements in technology, it is possible that you are missing a few key pieces of equipment.
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Also, try to determine their overall satisfaction with their job. Remember that your existing workforce is your best source of referrals, but if they are dissatisfied with their job, they will not recommend your shop to people they know. The WrenchWay survey found that only 54% of diesel technicians would recommend the profession to a friend; this is down 9% from the previous survey. That tells me that as an industry, we are not doing a good job of meeting technicians’ needs.
In addition, the problem goes beyond making sure your current technician workforce is satisfied. As an industry, we have to do a better job of talking about how rewarding the career can be. I am not saying that today’s technicians never get their hands dirty, because that is not true. But today’s technicians also need to be skilled with electronic tools and diagnostic equipment, and I am not sure the general public knows that. I think that is something we should be focusing on in all our recruiting efforts.
The TechForce report suggests that shops begin engaging with students in middle school and continuing throughout high school and beyond. You might consider bringing students into your shop so they can see firsthand what it takes to be a diesel tech.
Work closely with your local vo-tech schools and diesel training programs. Volunteer to be on advisory boards or donate equipment so that students can practice the latest technology. Doing that will ensure that technicians are getting training in the areas you need them to be proficient.
Offer internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring opportunities that connect new technicians with existing technicians. This can be good for both parties and will allow your seasoned techs to share their expertise with newer techs who may be more tech-savvy but lack technical experience with diesel-powered vehicles.
The technician shortage cannot be resolved on its own. In fact, it may worsen as we move into a wider array of powertrain options for heavy-duty trucks. Make sure you are attacking the problem on both fronts by ensuring your existing techs are satisfied and by making young people aware of what a great career they can have as technicians.
