The technician shortage continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing auto repair shops today. But how are shops responding, and what strategies are actually working? We recently surveyed ~700 repair shops of all sizes, and here’s a look at what those shops have to say about the technician shortage, retention, career development, and the steps shops are taking to build a stronger workforce.
How significant is the impact of the technician shortage?
Shops across the country continue to feel the impact of the industry’s technician shortage. When asked about the shortage, more than half of shop owners and managers surveyed (59%) said the shortage has highly or moderately impacted their business.
How well are shops retaining technicians?
Even with the ongoing shortage, most shops report that they are doing relatively well at keeping their technicians. A combined 70% said they have retained technicians well or very well, suggesting that the strategies they are using to maintain their workforce are paying off.
Get ALL your suppliers in one lookup on PartsTech. Create your free account today!
Click HERE to Learn More & Get Started
Are shops investing in apprenticeship programs for technicians?
This year, 53% of respondents said they have some form of apprenticeship program. Of those with programs, 28% said they provide a formalized apprentice program.
The uptick in these programs shows that more shops are taking a proactive approach to building their own pipeline of technicians. Apprenticeships help new technicians gain hands-on experience, while demonstrating the shop’s investment in team development.
Are shops providing clear career paths for technicians?
Career growth opportunities also play a major role in technician satisfaction. In fact, 72% of surveyed shops provide clear career paths, and 30% of those report having structured and formalized career paths.
Another 16% said they do not currently have career pathing in place but are considering it. These programs can take many forms, from defined growth or promotion tracks to specialized training that supports advancement into diagnostic or management roles.
How often are shops discussing career advancement opportunities?
In addition, 35% of shops said they regularly discuss career advancement with their technicians, while another 34% said those discussions happen occasionally.
Together, nearly 70% of shops are making a point to talk with their technicians about career advancement and growth. This is a strong indicator that more shops recognize the connection between communication, engagement, and retention.
Access more insights from a survey of 700 auto repair professionals: Click here to download your copy of the U.S. General Auto Repair Shop Survey Report!
How can shops invest in their technicians?
When asked about the types of available career development opportunities within the shop, 61% of shop respondents said they provide advanced training and certification, while 57% said they encourage specialization in specific diagnostic or repair areas. Other responses include:
- Regular performance reviews
- Cross-training in different roles
- Leadership or management training
These programs can improve both technician confidence and shop performance, ensuring that employees see a future within the business.
Are shops sharing business financial information with technicians?
Alongside these initiatives, transparency is also becoming more common. This year, 74% of respondents said they share financial information with their technicians to help them understand how their work contributes to profitability.
Sharing this information not only helps technicians see the larger business picture but also reinforces trust and collaboration within the team.
Shop Takeaway
The data is clear. Shops that invest in their people are better positioned to weather the technician shortage. From apprenticeships to open-book financials, the most successful shops are building cultures where technicians see a future. Here’s a quick recap of what the numbers tell us:
- Prioritize retention. 70% of shops are holding onto their technicians by staying engaged and investing in their team.
- Build your own pipeline. Apprenticeship programs are growing, and developing talent from within is becoming a winning strategy.
- Create a path forward. Technicians stay where they see a future — clear career paths and regular advancement conversations matter.
- Be transparent. Sharing financial information builds trust and helps technicians understand their impact on the business.
The technician shortage isn’t going away anytime soon, but the data shows that proactive shops are finding ways to stay ahead. Investing in your team today is the most reliable strategy for long-term success.
