Why are many technicians incompetent?
With today's technology changing so rapidly day by day, the title "mechanic" is no longer applicable - it is obsolete.
Unfortunately this has resulted in many original mechanics, who are a few years away from retirement, not wanting to upgrade to keep pace with the computerized technical changes. This, coupled with the fact that students are not turning to the automotive field apprenticeship schemes, is creating a lack of highly trained technicians.
So why are there so few 'mechanics' keeping up with the changes in technology? There are many reasons. Prior to 10 - 12 years ago the best mechanics were the older ones, because they had accumulated so much more experience in their fields, they were able to keep up with changes without having to go and spend time at training school.
Now with vehicles continually being upgraded with new electronics every few months, it is no longer possible just to have hands-on training. Theory and practice must go hand-in
-hand with continuing education. Older mechanics often choose not to upgrade because they are not interested in learning new skills. After working 8 hours they don't want to go to classes from 6.00pm until 10.00 pm as "burn-out" would be inevitable. Many would fall asleep throughout these courses, far too tired to care!
They prefer working on vehicles for hours - fitting parts rather than repairing them.
Replacing parts that may not be defective and, not wanting to read-up on a problem first.
Many didn't know how to diagnose problems but just fitted parts hoping that at least one would solve the problem.
Most of these mechanics wouldn't listen to a customer's explanations which may have helped them.Their "macho" know-it-allattitude wouldn't allow that, or was it their ignorance? Most times it was.
Guesses or unnecessary repairs can amount to about 45% of invoiced jobs of $250 or more.
Nowadays you see that many well-trained, highly-skilled technicians are younger with a willingness to learn. There is one problem I see looming, and that is the problem with employers who seem unwilling to provide or pay for continued education. This is very necessary in today's repair facilities.
It would appear their thinking is that they would rather employ loyal incompetent technicians than well-trained highly-skilled ones. There are employers however that do see the need for this as an incentive to employ the best; I just hope the trend will increase because without ongoing schooling and training, the profession is threatened.
Today's technicians can be proud of their achievements for the mounds of books they have to study for each and every new model that comes out every year. They have to study and read more books than our Doctors of medicine do. The human body hasn't changed for many thousands of years so every part is in the same place. Not so with the automobile.
Article by "Dr" John Booth, the CHML Radio Car Doctor www.womensgarage.com
