"Don't make long-term decisions on short-term emotions" - Kevin

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Technician, Professor, Consultant, and Entrepreneur

WholeFleet Diagnostics and VieTech Training & Consulting Inc.

Kevin Vieth

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ The early years in the automotive industry emphasize mastering basic tasks and the necessity of investing in advanced equipment and training to stay competitive, especially with evolving technologies like EVs.

2️⃣ Addressing the educational gap with updated training that includes technical skills, soft skills, and leadership development is vital due to the loss of experienced leaders and the need for a positive work culture.

3️⃣ Encouraging continuous self-development and structured, comprehensive training is essential for filling the mentorship void, ensuring technicians stay updated and motivated, thereby fostering the growth of well-rounded professionals in the automotive industry.

Let’s get into it.

J.

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I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content.

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WholeFleet Diagnostics

www.wholefleet.ca

VieTech Training & Consulting Inc.

https://vietech.ca/

Summary

In this conversation, Kevin Vieth and Joshua Taylor discuss various aspects of the automotive trade. They cover topics such as the challenges faced in the early years of the trade, the cost of equipment, struggles in small shops, the challenges of EV equipment, the importance of investing in equipment and training, the need for genuine content for technicians, and the importance of teaching respect and discipline to younger generations. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and evolving nature of the automotive trade. The conversation explores the challenges faced by the automotive industry in terms of the loss of experienced leaders, the lack of compulsory training, and the need for ongoing education. It highlights the importance of leadership in the shop and the impact of training on technician satisfaction and productivity. The conversation also emphasizes the need for mechanics to take care of their physical and mental health and to focus on self-development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Clip Marking

03:13 Getting into the Trade

04:23 Challenges in the Early Years

07:26 Monotony and Making Money

09:42 The Cost of Equipment

11:07 Struggles in Small Shops

12:06 Challenges with EV Equipment

13:11 Investing in Equipment and Training

15:08 The Importance of Service Advisor Education

16:08 The Lack of Technician Training

18:03 The First Year in the Trade

19:14 Building Relationships with Experienced Technicians

21:37 Understanding the Challenges of Younger Generations

23:28 Teaching Respect and Discipline

25:54 Loss of Experienced Leaders

26:24 Average Time in Trade

27:43 Lack of Experienced Veterans

28:16 Importance of Leadership in the Shop

30:13 Lack of Compulsory Training

31:04 Training Requirements in Canada vs. US

32:28 Lack of Ongoing Training

33:06 Mandatory Yearly or Bi-Yearly Updates

37:39 Challenges of Training in a Shop

41:25 Investing in Employees

45:37 Advice for Mechanics