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re: Mechanic Shortage? WSJ Shreds Ford CEO Complaints
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:07 am to prplhze2000
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:07 am to prplhze2000
I work for a dealership group and I am intimately familiar with this problem. There is more than enough blame to go around. The OEM’s, the dealerships, the customer base and the generation coming into adulthood. I’ll try to keep this short. Warranty work makes up roughly half of the work in the shop. The OEM sets the labor time. It’s almost impossible to do a job in that time. So the techs hate warranty work. Also, technology is expanding so fast that older techs struggle to keep up, just reality. The up and coming generation have been told to get a degree and the trades haven’t been seen as a “good” job. (Pretty much all trades have a shortage). The consumer rightly or wrongly believes the dealership is out to get them and won’t use them for customer pay work, so the trend is to more warranty which leads to fewer people wanting to do it. I don’t blame anyone and I blame everyone. It just is what it is.
2
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:13 am to prplhze2000
I don't understand why mechanics have to provide their own tools.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:20 am to prplhze2000
Ford would have all the mechanics it needs if they offered competitive pay.
And they wouldn't need so many mechanics if they offered competitive cars.
And they wouldn't need so many mechanics if they offered competitive cars.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:21 am to Pvt Hudson
quote:
it should come with every unique tool required to work on it
...laughs in Apple...
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:23 am to dewster
Read the story and it seems he works on transmissions quite a bit.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:24 am to chryso
Imagine a construction site that didn’t provide whatever equipment it took to get the job done.
Stolen side grinders, torches, and welding leads are just a part of the game.
Stolen side grinders, torches, and welding leads are just a part of the game.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:26 am to Oilfieldbiology
quote:
The accountants don't see the difference between a good mechanic and a retard who tears up more shite than he fixes. As long as all his hours are billable, they don't care. fricking this
Yup. Quality work and expert craftsmanship doesn’t factor into the whole “create shareholder value” bullshite that every c-suite idiot is indoctrinated and infested with now.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:30 am to dewster
quote:
would have all the mechanics it needs if they offered competitive pay.
And they wouldn't need so many mechanics if they offered competitive cars.
The paradigm has shifted. A truly good mechanic is really worth more than most white collar employees in environments where downtime costs millions. Companies are slowly figuring that out. Good automotive techs will continue to get rarer and rarer, because good mechanics are going to stick around the automotive industry. Downtime is not expensive enough to make them valuable enough for big arse pay checks. They'll continue to drift to equipment rental companies and manufacturing facilities
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:36 am to SludgeFactory
That is every car. Cars are designed and built the fastest, cheapest way possible.
They care nothing about anyone working on the vehicle after it is built.
In fact it is a way to make even more profit as they do more work.
You can rebuild an automatic transmission, but you have to go to the dealer to get the module re-flashed to clear all the codes and for it work properly.
They care nothing about anyone working on the vehicle after it is built.
In fact it is a way to make even more profit as they do more work.
You can rebuild an automatic transmission, but you have to go to the dealer to get the module re-flashed to clear all the codes and for it work properly.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:39 am to TheePalmetto
quote:
The fact that they have to buy their own tools is insane. Imagine if you were a chef at a restaurant and had to bring in your own gloves, cooking utensils, pots, pans, etc. just to do your job. Asinine.
Chefs actually do bring in a lot of their own equipment. Not pots and pans of course. But knives, honers, shears, tweezers, tasting spoons are absolutely personally owned at a ton of restaurants.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:42 am to TheePalmetto
quote:
Yup. Quality work and expert craftsmanship doesn’t factor into the whole “create shareholder value” bullshite that every c-suite idiot is indoctrinated and infested with now.
It’s the infestation of MBA’s and consultants that now run every company that’s publicly traded or is big enough to have a board of directors.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:47 am to prplhze2000
quote:
It is costly to start because mechanics need tens of thousands of dollars worth of tools.
So do plumbers, welders, electricians, carpenters, HVAC techs, etc.
quote:
In 2022, a decade after he started at the dealership, he finally crossed the $100,000 mark. He was 36 years old.
So he had to put in his dues. Womp womp.
quote:
One of the hardest parts of the job—and the reason it can be so lucrative for skilled operators like Hummel—is racing the clock.
Like every other skilled trade. Trimming out small houses was far more profitable for us than mansions, we could knock one out in a day or two for $10,000 vs up to several weeks for $80,000. Every person who works on a set fee schedule races the clock.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:47 am to Oilfieldbiology
quote:
infestation of MBA’s and consultants that now run every company that’s publicly traded or is big enough to have a board of directors
Yea, this. To make it worse they are so heavily reliant on AI now which for the most part is all A and no I.
The idea of paying a mechanic more than an office worker, or supplying their tools, or anything of that nature is just flat out incomprehensible to a modern executive. They are stuck in a mindset developed in the 50's that mechanics are disposable and a dime a dozen. It isn't the case anymore.
Ultimately, machines are what makes money, and you need skilled hands to keep the machines going. Since the "everybody must go to college" push and modern corporate structuring and everyone slaving against the KPI's, GOOD mechanics are about as rare as hens teeth.
Good automotive mechanics are effectively non-existent now. As I said earlier, GOOD mechanics aren't going to stick around the automotive field. Their worth is far better realized in other markets, and its reflected in the pay check.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:47 am to Oilfieldbiology
quote:
It’s the infestation of MBA’s and consultants
Yep. We certainly did. And I agree that most people in my ranks are far more expensive than they are worth. I'm in a position to know this, but the company mentioned in the OP has the latest and greatest finance and accounting tools, but their procurement and serialization/tracking systems are straight out of 1985....and it is costing them a fortune.
The MBA's and consultants are not as bad as most lawyers, but definitely up there. I'm dealing with a consultant now on a nonprofit that I'm trying to help. He's horrible at his job and he's actually causing serious damage to a project they are about to undertake. He made the mistake of trying to bullshite a bullshitter.
This post was edited on 1/8/26 at 8:55 am
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:50 am to chryso
quote:
I don't understand why mechanics have to provide their own tools.
Because that makes sure they maintain accountability of them. Most people who work in various trades, have their own tool sets. Some companies will have specialized tools and equipment provided but most of it is self-provided. Many companies do have a stipend or reimbursement option for tools purchased by employees too.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:50 am to prplhze2000
quote:
Farley said the jobs can pay $120,000 a year, but they take five years to learn....
Well of course these jobs are open. Every tradesman makes at least double this. I have that on good authority from this board
Posted on 1/8/26 at 8:57 am to prplhze2000
My wife's cousin was a master tech for Acura and turned to Youtube about 15 years ago or so. Had something like 3 million followers before he decided to semi-retire. Youtube treated him well.
All that said, he used to mentor younger mechanics and one of things that he used to say was the key for financial success was to stay the hell out of the tool trucks. He used to create a shopping list for guys and have them stock most of their boxes with stuff from Harbor Freight. There were a few items from over time and experience he'd recommend the more expensive tools, like high-end, properly calibrated torque wrenches, but for the most part, he'd tell folks to not bother with the expensive tools. He'd claim it should cost $3k to get going with a good setup and not $20k.
A lot of the better and profitable independent shops these days will offer you a sign on bonus that includes a budget for tools, as long as you commit to staying 3-5 years. Smart move on their part.
All that said, he used to mentor younger mechanics and one of things that he used to say was the key for financial success was to stay the hell out of the tool trucks. He used to create a shopping list for guys and have them stock most of their boxes with stuff from Harbor Freight. There were a few items from over time and experience he'd recommend the more expensive tools, like high-end, properly calibrated torque wrenches, but for the most part, he'd tell folks to not bother with the expensive tools. He'd claim it should cost $3k to get going with a good setup and not $20k.
A lot of the better and profitable independent shops these days will offer you a sign on bonus that includes a budget for tools, as long as you commit to staying 3-5 years. Smart move on their part.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 9:00 am to Pfft
You can rebuild an automatic transmission, but you have to go to the dealer to get the module re-flashed to clear all the codes and for it work properly."
Plenty of independent shops own the equipment needed to program(re-flash) the various computers in autos. I worked at an independent for 40 yrs and in the last 15 yrs of my time there I re-programmed many.many GM and Ford computers. It's all dependent on the shop purchasing the equipment to do it.
Plenty of independent shops own the equipment needed to program(re-flash) the various computers in autos. I worked at an independent for 40 yrs and in the last 15 yrs of my time there I re-programmed many.many GM and Ford computers. It's all dependent on the shop purchasing the equipment to do it.
Posted on 1/8/26 at 9:01 am to prplhze2000
maybe they should make more reliable vehicles
Posted on 1/8/26 at 9:04 am to RolltidePA
quote:
he'd tell folks to not bother with the expensive tools.
Matco, Snap-op, etc...definitely not worth building a whole tool set around unless you are sponsored, independently wealthy, or just a snob that doesn't know better. There are a lot of very good US-, German, Japanese, etc tool companies that make great tools, great warranties, customer service, etc that still cost less to aquire if lacking the convenience of an on-site truck. Newer Harbor Freight ICON stuff is carbon-copy Snap-on, no reason for a beginner mechanic to put themselves in 5-figure debt just to fill a tool cart.
This post was edited on 1/8/26 at 9:07 am
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