The Technician shortage is an issue never far from an auto repair shop owner’s mind.  Nothing can cripple your business faster than a lack of qualified technicians to work on vehicles. The technician shortage is consistent across the industry in all sectors and that is why we as an industry need to focus on being part of their training from day one. We as shop owners need to be involved as early as high school to educate students about the opportunities available in our industry.   Recently I visited a local high school that offers an automotive program. Walking into the classroom and work shop I was amazed at what the students had to work with.   The equipment was from the 70’s. Dirty, rusty engines and transmissions were scattered throughout the workshop.   No decent tools, not even a tool box and certainly no hi-tech scan tools. A generation who grew up playing Xbox games definitely would not be attracted to this environment.   I can’t blame the school, It doesn’t help that high school districts have whacked budgets for auto repair programs, a key source of recruits. Supporting the programs has become more expensive because of the test equipment now involved. As shop owners we need to look in our own back yards for the technicians to staff our bays. We have to get involved at the high school level and make sure auto shop courses are being offered. Get involved in the classroom and workshop and find ways to bring the shop and courses into this century.