re: Is there a shortage of qualified mechanics?

After I graduated college the choices were limited.
Had a job in law enforcement back then, but overtime was limited.

Worked as a tech to pay for boat, kids in private school, vehicles for kids, and their college degrees.
Kids if you think that chick is hot. Look at her mom and add 3 kids. Then add you not only got to support the kids, but they expect more today. Now that real birth control there.

Went to vo tech at night to learn diesel mechanics under a free state program. Worked at a dealer for a few years while working my full time job at night. You have to invest in tools, box, etc. large dealers help offset these cost.

Once I saved enough cash.
I started a few outdoor power shops repairing motors and did some diesel work on the side.
Did well for myself.

Now that I am retired I work part time as a diesel tech. I did keep up to date on Cummins, Paccar, did Cat years ago, Mack/ Volvo and Allison training.

Most diesel techs like KW and Pete due to when you open the hood it is easier to get to things.

I like Mack/ Volvo as the dealer I worked for in California sold a lot of these. Use to working on them.

Part time I make $75 an hour.
Do not need benefits as I got a pension with benefits.
They just do not have the benefits or working conditions to compete with larger dealers for someone still under retirement age.
As fas as working 5 days a week.
It just very rough on my body at my age to work 5 days a week.
I do this to keep busy and I enjoy it.

I see more older people in my shop.
Young kids which they start them at $25 hr, do not stay as it way too rough for them.

FYI
Dealer techs on commission.
Takes awhile to learn how to write the story.
How you write to story to justify the hours on a job.
Usually smaller hr rate and commission.

Small shop tech
Usually pay hourly.