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Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen [RR 643]

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Jake Sorensen- 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All-Star technician of the year. He is an ASE Master technician with L1,2 and 3 advanced level certifications. He is the shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT where he helped develop an apprenticeship program that is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. This program has graduated several high-performing automotive technicians and was used by NAPA Auto Care as a template for their automotive apprenticeship program. Jake also developed the curriculum for an automotive course that he teaches at an adult education high school. Listen to Jake's previous episodes HERE

 

Key Talking Points

  • How & why start building an apprentice program- Call it a Tech shortage or a shortage of qualified Techs either way almost every shop is looking for at least one technician right now. Set your shop apart by offering an apprenticeship. Quality Technicians are more likely to accept a job offer when they see the shop has a commitment to training. Training becomes contagious for everyone in the shop
  • Use a program that is already available.
  • Incorporate pay- This is not an internship, make sure pay increases as they progress and hit milestones. Take advantage of all learning styles available to you. Some learn better through videos others through in-person or hands-on. Use every option.
  • Finding apprentices- schools, running a local ad for an apprenticeship. Look for someone who has been at previous employment for a significant amount of time. “No previous experience necessary”
  • Finding the right mentor and the time to do so- Qualified technician. The right personality and compensated accordingly. Willingness to share, help and learn. Doesn’t have to be the most seasoned veteran in the shop.
  • In House training- Offer training specific to your shop's needs- evening vs day, offer variety to meet everyone’s needs and preferences. Share case studies with everyone- discuss issues and how it was resolved. Answer questions about it.
  • Who will instruct? You or your lead Tech if that is an option. You will learn the topic better than anyone when you research to teach. Ask your local mobile techs. Check with your parts distributors. If you cannot find an option, use recorded training and play on a large screen
  • Make it as enjoyable as possible- Close the shop a little early. Give away prizes. Provide food
  • Thanks to Jake Sorensen for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
  • Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
  • Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP's HERE
  • Find every podcast episode HERE.
  • Every episode is segmented by Series HERE.
  • Key Word Search HERE.

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NAPA AutoCare’s PROimage program makes it easy for you to make the most of the NAPA brand. A PROimage upgrade lets you maintain your shop’s identity as a reliable, locally-owned business while letting your customers and potential customers know you’re partnering with NAPA, the most recognized and trusted name in the automotive aftermarket. AutoCare Centers that have completed a PROimage exterior upgrade enjoy an average 23 percent sales increase during the first year. You can also choose to go PROimage on the interior and transform your customer waiting area from merely utilitarian to warm and welcoming. You can even get a free look by visting www.NAPAAutoCare.com and clicking on the NAPA PROimage link under the NAPA PROimage tab. Of course, the AutoCare site is also the place to go to find out about all the advantages being part of the NAPA family has to offer.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

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