How two auto repair shops are proactively readying their teams for the loss of tenured techs.
This past June, Denny’s Auto faced the retirement of a 30-year veteran automotive technician, but thanks to a smart apprenticeship program, the auto shop position never stayed vacant. At Mechanics Marketplace, we see this as a blueprint for success in the mechanics & body shops marketplace. With baby boomers exiting and a looming technician shortage, our automotive recruitment expertise helps shops like yours stay ahead. Here’s how to prepare using our proven automotive technician recruiting strategies, bolstered by tools like a mechanic apprenticeship approach.
A Proactive Success Story
In 2022, shop owner Mitch Moncur onboarded two high school grads to train under his seasoned techs over two years. Paired with mentors across eight skills modules—from shop safety to complex repairs—these apprentices grew into capable mechanics for hire. Starting at $12/hour, their pay rose to $20 as skills sharpened. When the veteran retired, one stepped into the role, while the other landed a job elsewhere within a day. That’s the power of planning with Mechanics Marketplace, your auto employment agency.
Moncur’s advice? “We can’t wait for retirements to hit. We’ve got to get ahead and spark interest in the car repair marketplace among young talent.” Our automotive headhunters agree—it’s time to act.
The Boomers’ Exodus
The TechForce Foundation warns that nearly 50% of techs will retire by 2030, widening the gap in the automotive job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% decline in the field through 2029, even as vehicles grow complex and costs rise. Shops must accelerate hiring via automotive job search engines and tap retiring techs’ expertise, says Darrin Barney of Barney Brothers Off-Road and Repair.
Barney, with five techs, stresses knowing your team. “Treat them like family, not just replaceable parts,” he says. Regular check-ins reveal retirement plans, avoiding sudden exits. His daily huddles and deeper talks—asking, “What’s your timeline?”—help plan mentorships with younger mechanics looking for jobs. Our mechanic hub connects shops to this approach, ensuring smooth transitions. Older techs can shift to roles like head mechanic or service writer, adding value without full-time wrenching. “Don’t assume they’re done,” Barney adds. “Talk to them.” We’re the automotive staffing agency that keeps these pros in play.
Filling the Pipeline
Mentorships are key. Barney incentivizes experienced techs with a cut of mentees’ work, boosting efficiency in the technician marketplace. Specialized skills or tools? Pair retiring techs with trainees to pass the torch—our automotive recruiters ensure this knowledge stays in your shop, not lost to the market auto body shop next door.
Intangibles matter too. A tech’s leadership or morale-boosting? Plan for others to step up. “Shops are fragile ecosystems,” Barney notes. “Time is critical.” Moncur keeps a candidate pool active, interviewing year-round via our recruitment marketplace. Monthly check-ins build relationships, so when a spot opens, he’s ready—not scrambling on automotive job boards.
Turning to Gen Z
Moncur champions Gen Z, the how Gen Z is becoming the toolbelt generation, born 1997-2012. “They’re solid if you meet them where they are,” he says. Ignoring stereotypes, he recruited his apprentices through local schools, using a three-part interview process honed by Mechanics Marketplace. With techs and apprentices co-writing the curriculum on a robust training platform, both grads landed best paying jobs for mechanics instantly—proof it works.
“Dive in,” Moncur urges. “Pivot as needed.” Our automotive technician headhunters make it easy to target this talent pool. Boost your visibility too—stay active in the community and online. “Keep your pipeline full,” Barney advises. We amplify this through our automotive industry recruiters.
Celebrate the Transition
When a tech retires, throw a party. “It shows you value everyone,” Barney says. A positive send-off resonates, reinforcing your shop’s culture. With eight years of 5-star mechanics marketplace reviews, Mechanics Marketplace is your partner in navigating retirements.