The United States is facing a significant shortage of mechanics and skilled labor due to an aging workforce and a lack of new entrants into the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 67,800 job openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics annually through 2033.
CP Racing crew chief Dustin Willander stated, “The automotive industry is at a crossroads, with a severe shortage of talented mechanics stemming from an aging workforce, fewer program graduates and the rapid evolution of vehicle technology.”
The average age of a used car on the road today is over 12 years, leading to increased demand for repairs as car owners keep their vehicles longer. Many experienced mechanics are retiring, while younger generations are pursuing careers in technology and healthcare, leaving a gap in skilled labor.
Autotrader’s executive editor Brian Moody said, “The high price of new and used cars means people keep their cars longer. Therefore, more repairs.”
The labor participation rate among 16 to 19-year-olds has declined from around 50% in 2000 to the mid-30s as of last month. Many candidates do not show up for interviews, creating reliability issues among younger job seekers.
Ramsey Solutions Ken Coleman stated, “One of the biggest factors affecting the technician shortage is society tends to look down upon the industry. Fair or not, there is still a negative stigma surrounding the profession.”
Coleman added, “The solution is to recruit them, train them, pay them, and treat them well so you keep them, offering competitive compensation, professional development and creating a shop culture that values feedback.”
The rise of social media has created a perception that there are easier career paths than traditional blue-collar jobs. This trend has contributed to the decline in interest among younger workers, making it challenging to attract them to skilled trades.
RedBalloon CEO Andrew Crapuchettes said, “You’re not just a widget manufacturer. You’re not just an excavation company. You are building America. You’re building a future for your family. You’re learning the work ethic that leads to good souls for your kids. There’s more to it than just work.”
Crapuchettes added, “Unfortunately, we have this cultural issue where a lot of the baby boomers, which are one of the wealthiest generations ever, is they’ve passed down to the next generation, they said, ‘I worked really hard in a factory, or I worked really hard early on, and then I was able to build a career, and I don’t want that for my kids or my grandkids.’”
Crapuchettes called it “very disturbing” that in 2000, the labor participation rate for 16 to 19-year-olds stood around 50% – as of last month, that number is in the mid-30 percentile.
Crapuchettes said, “One employer told me when they’re hiring off Indeed.com or one of the mega job boards, they have between 10 and 30% of the people even show up for the interview, let alone the job.”
Crapuchettes added, “We have a lot of baby boomers who are exiting the market, who have a lot of the skills and knowledge and abilities that simply aren’t going to be replaced by the next generation if we don’t make some changes soon.”
