By Theresa Bontempo
People all across the country rely on cars to get them to and from work, run errands, and to take vacations and road trips. The country’s extensive interstate highway system is testament to how much Americans love cars and traveling in them. While cars have been around for over 100 years, they certainly have been changing rapidly with the influx of new technology and the complicated computer systems needed to run and repair them. Automotive workers are in high demand, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a record 67,000 automotive technicians will be needed going forward until the year 2033—which translates to a 3% growth in this trade each year.
Skilled automotive workers are in short supply however, including ones that are qualified to work on electric and hybrid vehicles that are becoming increasingly popular. So how can automotive businesses prepare for these changing trends, and how can they attract and retain workers fluent in automotive technology?
In this article we’re covering that and more including:
- Why training in automotive technology is so important
- How to prepare automotive workers for the future
- Leveraging technology to retain automotive workers
Why training in automotive technology is essential
Automotive workers need to prepare now for the future
Automotive workers will need to be trained on the automotive technology of today, so they are prepared to understand the innovations of the future.
For students who are considering a path in automotive technology, they should be aware of all the benefits of attending a school or training program specifically designed to target the skills they’ll need. There are plenty of colleges and community colleges that offer associate degrees in automotive technology, as well as specializations in other auto-specific topics. But future automotive workers don’t just need to know how to repair specific parts of cars (although they’ll need to do that as well) but they’ll also need to be trained specifically on the automotive technology that is taking cars and the automotive industry to the next level.
Automotive businesses do not just need employees to be able to work with their hands and make good, sound decisions, they also need them to be competent in cars’ technological systems that include advanced electronics, computers, hybrid and electronic vehicle (EV) tech, as well as electrical engineering. This is why if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this industry, it’s essential to get the proper training and certificates/degrees.
The future of vehicles is complex, and advances in technology means that future automotive workers must be prepared to engage with:
- The complicated electrical structures of electronic vehicles and hybrids
- Knowing how to work on and repair the computer systems of self-driving automated vehicles
- Having the expertise to service the advanced driver assistance features of many vehicles (such as parallel parking assistance and automatic steering and braking)
Certifications and degrees from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are required, but having the skills to work on new automotive technology requires additional hands-on training to be certified in those areas. Employers want workers with these specialized skills to work on cars now, as well as those 15 years from now.
Ways to prepare automotive workers for the future
What are the best ways to prepare automotive workers for the next generation of tech?
Ongoing training is one of the best ways to ensure your automotive workforce is prepared for all that’s to come in vehicle technology. Image courtesy of Metal Exponents.
Although it may seem daunting for automotive businesses to prepare workers to fill these specialized and highly skilled positions, it’s not impossible. There are a few ways to ensure your workforce is going to be up to the challenge of new automotive technology and the digital future of vehicle construction and repair.
- Finding the right candidates. Having employees that are qualified to work on all kinds of different cars starts with attracting candidates with the right qualifications. This means you’ll want to go after those who have graduated from an automotive educational program that offers an Associates in Applied Sciences Degree in Automotive Engineering Technology. This is a very specialized degree that ensures candidates have gone through rigorous instruction and hands-on application of their training. The school doesn’t need to offer this degree specifically, however make sure that the degree or certificate is endorsed and accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
Having a degree like this proves that the potential employee has been trained to work on advanced computer systems that are found in EVs and hybrids, so they are prepared to handle not only traditional vehicle technology, but also the technology of the future. The ability to seamlessly do both shows employers that the candidate is adaptable and flexible and can competently meet any challenges head on.
- Continuous training. Opportunities for continuous training and certifications is a great way to prepare current employees of an automotive business that did not just get out of an educational program. Offering ways for employees to learn more about the advanced technology in vehicles will expand the amount of workers that can service automotive parts that are complex and moving in the digital direction.
Offering ongoing training or letting employees know about opportunities off-site is a great way to ensure they’ll be up to date on the latest technology in the automotive industry.
- Job/position shadowing. In addition to hands-on training, a good idea is to have an employee shadow another one who is trained on specific tasks related to the restoration or repair of technically advanced vehicles. This is a more informal approach to training, but it gives the employee the opportunity to see how having this information, training, certifications, and expertise can help with their career growth. Shadowing and mentoring also builds stronger bonds in the workplace, as employees can learn from those who already possess these sought-after skills and see that they are obtainable for themselves as well.
Using technology to keep automotive workers aware of opportunities and engaged
Employers can utilize technology to keep automotive workers in the loop and engaged with their workplace
Don’t just rely on word of mouth or a bulletin board, instead create an employee engagement strategy using digital solutions. Image courtesy of Law Offices of James F. Aspell.
In addition to choosing skilled candidates with the right certifications, having ongoing training for employees, and offering mentorships/job shadowing, it’s important to keep your automotive workforce aware of new developments and engaged with their job. One of the best ways to do this is to leverage technology with the help of employee engagement software. Harnessing the power of digital signage for internal communication takes the common room cork board to the next level.
Studies show that engaged workers are 18% more productive, and businesses with satisfied employees are 23% more profitable. It really makes sense to ensure that management has an engagement strategy in place in order to foster a positive work culture that keeps employees satisfied and happy to come to work.
There are a variety of ways you can engage automotive employees who are loyal to their company and want to grow their career there.
Shift can give your company the digital signage solutions you’re looking for. Our employee engagement platform delivers effective communication to your workers through digital screens. Your customized content can use real-time data and metrics to increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and maximize your profit. Upgrade from the corkboard to a digital solution and you’ll be on your way to happier, more engaged employees.
1. Use Shift to keep employees notified of ongoing training
You know that ongoing training in courses and certifications that can be of use to automotive employees are some of the best ways to help them prepare for the future. But how will workers learn about all this information in an easy and accessible manner? The answer is digital signage for employee communications. Having an employee engagement platform like Shift allows management to create customized content for all employees to see on a screen in a common area. There’s no better way to keep workers in the know about upcoming classes or seminars that can help them sharpen their skills, and learn new ones.
No employee wants to be left behind when it comes to having the technical skills to work on the advanced systems of vehicles. That’s why offering notification of training is so essential to employees that you already have. This allows them to advance in their career, learn new skills your business needs to compete, and become less likely to leave the company for a competitor in the process.
2. Offer opportunities for feedback
The only way for management to know what employees really think is to give them the chance to give feedback. Employees who feel like they have a voice and that management cares about their concerns or suggestions is an engaged workforce. It’s easy to offer opportunities for feedback surveys when you have a platform like Shift, as they can easily use a QR code to take them to a feedback form.
Managers at automotive centers should use this information to see how their employees feel about policies, as well as ask for suggestions of what they would like to see more of—such as additional opportunities for training.
3. Recognize and reward employees
Recognizing employees for accomplishments is one of the best ways to let workers know they’ve done a good job. Most workers would love to hear some praise for taking on a task they did particularly well, but few ever get the chance to hear it from their manager. You can offer incentives to employees should they decide to learn new skills or participate in a training course. This shows them that their employer wants them to grow and succeed and there is a clear path to do so in the company.
4. Ensure clear communication
Communication between employees and management should always be open and clear. That’s why employee engagement software is so essential to productive businesses—it’s the best way to keep employees like automotive workers informed of their daily tasks, policies, new procedures, safety information, as well as training information. Employees should feel comfortable communicating with their manager, who should be clear about what their duties and expectations are for their position.
Will you embrace the next generation of automotive technology?
Staying up to date and knowing the trends in the automotive industry is essential to managing a thriving business. You don’t want to get left behind when it comes to ensuring your automotive workers have the skills that will allow your business to succeed for years to come. Embracing automotive technology, as well as the necessary training, is a great way to ensure your automotive business thrives in the future.
