TechForce Report Reveals Vehicle Tech Shortage - Engine Builder Magazine

TechForce Report Reveals Vehicle Tech Shortage

TechForce Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on championing and aiding aspiring vehicle technicians, has released a new report — “Transportation Technician New Entrant Demand” — that reveals the severity of the vehicle technician shortage.

TechForce Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on championing and aiding aspiring vehicle technicians, has released a new report — “Transportation Technician New Entrant Demand” — that reveals the severity of the vehicle technician shortage.

Based on an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) data, TechForce found that the estimated demand for “new entrant” vehicle technicians is much higher than previously reported. For the period between 2016 and 2026, that demand is more than triple the prior BLS estimates for the period between 2014 and 2024. “New entrant” technicians are those needed to fill the growth in new positions in the occupation as well as replace those who leave the occupation. They are distinguished from experienced technicians who may move between employers but don’t add to the overall trained workforce in the occupation.

The report reveals that the newly projected BLS average annual new entrant demand for 75,900 auto technicians for the 2016-2026 period is far greater than the previous BLS projected demand of 23,720 technicians for the 2014-2024 period. Moreover, by extrapolating data from the economy and vehicles in use, TechForce has been able to provide annual projections that are much more useful for industry planning than a 10-year average, which masks the cyclicality of individual years. As an example, in the case of auto technicians, the highest demand in the next five years is 92,071 in 2018, while the lowest is 65,020 in 2021.

The demand for collision and diesel technicians is similar. The newly projected BLS average annual new entrant demand of 28,300 diesel technicians far exceeds the previous projected demand of 7,690. For the collision market, the newly projected BLS average annual new entrant demand is 17,200 technicians compared to the previous projection of 4,810.

What has exacerbated the technician shortage to the point of the “perfect storm” are essentially three things. We’re caught in the middle of a strong growing economy, a ‘catch-up’ demand for technicians created by the Great Recession of 2008 and the increasing complexity of vehicles.

As to what can be done to alleviate the shortage, we have adequate training facilities for prospective technicians. Our concentration has to be on getting young people interested in this vocation by changing the image of the ‘grease monkey’ mechanic that students and their parents, teachers and counselors may have.

In order to solve the tech shortage, the industry needs to pool its resources and create and disseminate consistent public messaging highlighting the many and varied opportunities of a tech career.

The full report and its executive summary are available at www.techforcefoundation.org.

You May Also Like

Thousands Oppose California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers send EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to ACC II Waiver

SEMA member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal combustion engine motor vehicles by 2035. Specialty aftermarket businesses and industry supporters sent over 5,000 letters to the U.S. EPA expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees, and millions of automotive enthusiasts. 

Howell EFI Launches New Website and Promotions

Howell EFI, a leading manufacturer of electronic fuel injection for older pre-computer vehicles of all types, has newly launched a user-friendly website, as well as introduced free ground shipping on orders over $500 to the lower 48 states, and a March Madness sale of 10% off any order. Related Articles – Dayco Begins Full-Scale Belt

Dayco Begins Full-Scale Belt Production in Mexico

At the end of 2022, Dayco, a leading engine product and drive systems manufacturer for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, announced it was investing in a new manufacturing facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to produce its globally recognized OE-quality drive belts. Related Articles – VP Racing Partners with Ida Zetterstrom for 2024 NHRA

Cummins Announces Next Gen X15 Diesel Engine

Cummins Inc. has announced it will launch its most efficient heavy-duty diesel engine ever. As the next product in the Cummins HELM 15-liter fuel agnostic platform, the diesel X15 will be compliant with U.S. EPA and CARB 2027 aligned regulations at launch. The next generation X15 diesel engine in North America will serve the heavy-duty

Hendrick Motorsports Partners with GROB Systems

Hendrick Motorsports and GROB Systems Inc. have teamed up for a synergistic partnership to bring precision 5-Axis GROB machines to the Concord, NC campus of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions.  Related Articles – Sick Week 2024 Results – Isky Racing Cams’ Ron Iskenderian Has Passed Away at 75 – MPMC Media Trade Conference to Relocate in 2025

Other Posts

Mobil 1 Celebrates 50th Anniversary

In 2024, ExxonMobil will commemorate its 50-year history of the Mobil 1 brand with a series of initiatives across partnerships, motorsports, and virtual reality, each of which will highlight the brand’s legacy and what’s to come. Related Articles – Lewis Hamilton to Leave Mercedes for Ferrari in F1 2025 Season – Formula 1 Rejects Andretti

Lewis Hamilton to Leave Mercedes for Ferrari in F1 2025 Season

Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari next year and replace Carlos Sainz.

Formula 1 Rejects Andretti and Cadillac

Formula 1 earlier this week rejected Andretti Global’s long-held bid to join the series in the 2025 or 2026 season, also denying the team’s corporate partner General Motors. Related Articles – Competitors Revealed for ’24 Pikes Peak Hill Climb – Hot Rod Drag Week 2024 to Celebrate 20th Anniversary – Engine Builder Hall of Fame

Nasr Victorious at Rolex 24 for Penske, Porsche

Felipe Nasr delivered the first Rolex 24 At Daytona overall win for team owner Roger Penske in 55 years, and the first for Porsche in 14 years, in an exciting conclusion Sunday to the iconic endurance sports car race. Related Articles – 3 Engines for Sale – LS3 and Two Small Block Chevys – Holley