As an auto repair shop owner, you always aim to provide the best services to your customers. Giving your technicians proper training can be a great way to do that, but you also need to ensure they have adequate technical knowledge. Enrolling your techs in a training program can be an excellent way to do just that.
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Training programs help your technicians stay up to date with the latest technological changes in the automotive industry. In a world where new trends like electrification are becoming increasingly popular, it’s in your best interest to make sure you can keep up.
Why are training programs important?
Besides electric vehicles, there are many more advancements in this industry, such as the increasing use of auto repair shop management software. Each is another opportunity—provided you have the proper training. Here are a few reasons why:
- Offer more value to customers: No one wants to go to a new repair shop for different or more complex jobs. If you can show your customers that you’re qualified to do whatever job they might need, they won’t feel the need to go anywhere else.
- Develop more trust with customers: Having a certificate showing your skills and knowledge can instill confidence in your customers, show them that you know what you’re doing, and boost the credibility of your technicians.
- Expand operations: Having technicians with different certifications can be a great way to grow your auto repair business and cater to more customers. Â
What are the different types of training programs?
When choosing the right training program, there are many options to consider. You could get a full college degree or a certification that contains specialized courses in a specific part of the vehicle, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Let’s dive into each option to check which one is best for your techs.
Certifications
For technicians looking to expand on a particular area of automotive repair, a certification can be a great option. Candidates often need to pass a standardized test to get certified.
There are as many certifications as there are parts of a car. Techs can specialize in:
- Brake systems
- Electrical systems
- Engine repair
- Engine performance
- Steering systems
- Suspension systems
- Fuel systems
While various auto repair technician certifications are available, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is widely recognized as the industry standard. According to ShopOwnerMag, some shop owners view an ASE certification as a core value, like honesty and integrity.
If you want to know more about to get ASE certified, you can get more information from the official website.
Trade schools
For people looking to enter a specialized field, a trade school, also known as a vocational school, can be a great place to start. These schools provide specialized courses in trades such as welding and automotive repair. The knowledge obtained here can benefit a tech’s career in the long run. Some features include:
- Specialized training: Trade schools give you all the necessary skills to practice the job you’re studying for. They emphasize hands-on training alongside technical knowledge, a desirable combination for auto repair technicians.
- Practical experience: Graduating from a trade school will give you a lot of practical experience in your task and let you learn from people who have been in the industry for years. They might know their way around an engine in a method you never thought possible. The knowledge they provide can be invaluable, especially for younger students.
College degrees
A formal college education entails a 4-year program where students learn about their chosen program. Compared to other study options, the most significant benefit of a four-year degree is the knowledge obtained. Here are some pros of a college education:
- Knowledge: Students enrolled in a college degree will spend four years studying and getting tested on their chosen degree. The best technicians know the ins and outs of the vehicles they work on and will learn how to answer any question thrown at them.
- More general information: It gives students a lot of general information about the vehicle they’ll be working on, even if the knowledge gained isn’t as specialized as it would be in a certification. However, they may not have the same practical experience as a trade school student.
- Specialization: A technician certified in a niche could also open up many new opportunities for your business. Currently, few shops offer electric vehicle repair services in the US, despite electric vehicles growing in popularity significantly. According to Statista, California’s electric vehicle fleet size alone is expected to reach almost 4 million by 2030. That’s why hiring technicians certified in electric vehicle repair and maintenance can differentiate you from the competition and help future proof your shop for the newer generation.
Hands-on training vs. training programs
What’s better? Getting practical, hands-on training or a classroom education? The correct answer lies somewhere in the middle. The best mechanics have an in-depth understanding of the different components of the vehicle, along with the right practical experience to help them do the job effectively.
Closing thoughts
The best technicians will be able to combine their technical knowledge with practical experience, so It’s in the best interest of shop owners to provide proper training to their employees. Doing so can help you cater better to customer needs and market your business more effectively.
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