{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"5 Steps to Train and Retain New Technicians","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/5-steps-to-train-and-retain-new-technicians","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/940384/episodes/18893204-5-steps-to-train-and-retain-new-technicians.mp3","description":"Donald Favors, Auto Tech Instructor at Lowell High School, joins us to talk about the five steps he developed for technician retention in his “Pathway to Retention” program. In the episode, he walks through each step in detail—from connecting with local schools to providing technicians with financial education—and shares his journey from working in the automotive industry to transitioning into education.Watch the video podcast on YouTubeAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Donald Favors, Lowell High School, dfavors@tricreek.k12.in.usLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listPathway to Retention: A 5 Step Process to Train and Retain New TechniciansJoin the ASE Connects CommunityASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & DealersASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free!)Connect with us on social:FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok"},"annotations":[{"startTime":42.0,"endTime":61.6,"type":"concept","title":"technician retention","url":"/glossary/technician-retention","quote":"Because he's so close to the next generation of technicians, Don has spent a lot of time thinking about what it takes not only to bring people into the industry but keep them here. In this conversation I'm going to dig into his perspective on technician retention, the ideas he's been developing around it and what shop leaders can take away as they think about keeping great people on their teams.","canonicalId":"concept:technician-retention","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Technician retention is the challenge of keeping trained automotive techs working at a shop rather than leaving for another employer or industry. It’s often tied to pay, training quality, mentorship, workload, and career growth.","simplifiedExplanation":"Retention just means keeping good workers from quitting. In auto shops, that can depend on things like training, support, and whether the job feels like a career."}},{"startTime":238.0,"endTime":241.0,"type":"brand","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"Yeah. The electronics training really helped me out and, you know, to think of back when we called it, General Motors called it, the second generation was C3, computer-controlled carburetor to the massive, you know, internet type systems that we have integrated with everything in the car.","canonicalId":"brand:general-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is referenced as the company that used the C3 “generation” label for evolving vehicle technology. GM is a major automaker whose history includes early adoption of electronic engine controls.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is one of the big car companies. Here, they’re mentioned because they used a name for a stage of technology as cars started getting computers."}},{"startTime":296.4,"endTime":303.1,"type":"brand","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"Okay, so how I got to education, I spent 35 years\nin GM dealerships and my wife came to work for the school system...","canonicalId":"brand:gm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“GM” refers to General Motors, one of the largest automakers in the U.S. Mentioning GM dealerships signals the speaker’s background working within a major OEM’s dealer network and training ecosystem.","simplifiedExplanation":"“GM” is short for General Motors, a big car company. Working in GM dealerships usually means you’re dealing with their brand standards, tools, and training programs."}},{"startTime":418.6,"endTime":434.74,"type":"concept","title":"mentor","url":"/glossary/mentor","quote":"Oh, sure. Yeah, sure did. I helped mentor quite a few of the young guys that we hired,","canonicalId":"concept:mentor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mentoring in a shop context means experienced technicians guiding newer hires—helping them learn procedures, avoid mistakes, and build confidence. In technician retention discussions, mentoring is often a key factor because it reduces early-career frustration and accelerates competence."}},{"startTime":435.24,"endTime":441.2,"type":"concept","title":"journeyman","url":"/glossary/journeyman","quote":"trying to get them, you know, up to the the rank of journeyman, you know, from being just out of high school.","canonicalId":"concept:journeyman","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Journeyman” is a trade credential meaning a technician has reached a higher level of skill and independence than an entry-level worker. In automotive shops, it’s often the goal of structured training and mentorship so new techs can perform repairs reliably without constant supervision.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “journeyman” is basically a more experienced, fully trained technician. It means they can do the job well on their own, not just follow instructions."}},{"startTime":534.1,"endTime":539.8,"type":"concept","title":"retention problem","url":"/glossary/retention-problem","quote":"I have two shops that have a really good mentor program, and they don't have a retention problem. What they have is an expansion problem...","canonicalId":"concept:retention-problem","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A retention problem means technicians leave the shop or industry faster than the shop can hire and train replacements. The segment contrasts shops with strong mentor programs (no retention issue) versus shops that churn through entry-level workers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Retention just means keeping employees. If a shop has a retention problem, people don’t stay long enough to build experience."}},{"startTime":552.5,"endTime":563.1,"type":"concept","title":"customer satisfaction","url":"/glossary/customer-satisfaction","quote":"...the longer you keep somebody, the better they get, and the better, you know, the higher customer satisfaction goes.","canonicalId":"concept:customer-satisfaction","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Customer satisfaction is the perceived quality of service from the customer’s perspective—often influenced by repair accuracy, communication, turnaround time, and professionalism. The speaker ties technician retention and skill growth to better customer satisfaction outcomes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Customer satisfaction is how happy customers are with the service they got. The idea here is that better-trained, more experienced techs lead to better results for customers."}},{"startTime":582.9,"endTime":589.6,"type":"concept","title":"repeat sales","url":"/glossary/repeat-sales","quote":"...it really, it really has a lot to do with I think with customer satisfaction. And then in turn, with repeat sales after that.","canonicalId":"concept:repeat-sales","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Repeat sales means customers return for additional work after their first visit. The segment suggests that higher customer satisfaction leads to more repeat business, which reinforces the business case for investing in mentorship and retention."}},{"startTime":701.9,"endTime":714.1,"type":"concept","title":"ASE","url":"/glossary/ase","quote":"I think some of the issues we have with, and, you know, my buddy, George\nAaron, I'll give him a shout out from ASE, talks about eating our young and how we are really,\nreally guilty of that as an industry.","canonicalId":"concept:ase","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is a major U.S. certification organization for automotive technicians. When someone references ASE, they’re usually talking about training standards, credentialing, and workforce development in the industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"ASE is a well-known organization that certifies auto technicians. People bring it up because it represents recognized training and professional standards."}},{"startTime":756.0,"endTime":761.4,"type":"concept","title":"recruiting and hiring","url":"/glossary/recruiting-and-hiring","quote":"So let's start with recruiting and hiring. What is different about what you're talking about with recruiting and hiring versus what you actually see being done in shops?","canonicalId":"concept:recruiting-and-hiring","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In this context, recruiting and hiring refers to how dealerships/shops find candidates and decide who to bring on. The speaker emphasizes that the hiring process needs to better predict whether someone can handle dealership-level work demands.","simplifiedExplanation":"Recruiting and hiring is how a shop finds new people and chooses who gets the job. The point here is that the interview should help you pick someone who can actually handle the work."}},{"startTime":768.7,"endTime":782.1,"type":"term","title":"lube tech","url":"/glossary/lube-tech","quote":"Well, there were times where I saw the big need to get a lube tech. You know, we were shorthanded, you know, at the dealership and a kid would walk in and he had an interview that was maybe less than five minutes long.","canonicalId":"term:lube-tech","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “lube tech” is an entry-level technician role focused on quick service tasks like oil changes and basic lubrication. In many dealerships, it’s often the first step before moving into more advanced diagnostic and repair work.","simplifiedExplanation":"A lube tech is usually the entry-level shop job that starts with quick maintenance work, like oil changes. It’s often the first step before someone can do bigger repairs."}},{"startTime":921.6,"endTime":927.3,"type":"concept","title":"attrition","url":"/glossary/attrition","quote":"And I think that has led to a lot of attrition in our industry. And I think a lot of it has come from the, the point of being desperate, right?","canonicalId":"concept:attrition","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Attrition is when people leave a job or industry over time. In this context, the hosts are talking about early drop-off of new technicians before they become established.","simplifiedExplanation":"Attrition means people quit or don’t stay. Here, it’s about new techs leaving the industry early, often before they’re fully trained."}},{"startTime":1121.7,"endTime":1133.7,"type":"term","title":"flat blade screwdriver","url":"/glossary/flat-blade-screwdriver","quote":"But I've got kids who come in, and they can't identify a flat blade screwdriver from a pair of pliers literally.","canonicalId":"term:flat-blade-screwdriver","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A flat blade screwdriver is a basic hand tool used to drive screws with a straight (flat) slot. The speaker uses it to show how some new trainees lack even fundamental tool identification.","simplifiedExplanation":"A flat blade screwdriver is the common screwdriver with a straight tip. The host is saying some students can’t tell basic tools apart yet."}},{"startTime":1206.2,"endTime":1239.4,"type":"company","title":"ASC Connects","url":"/glossary/asc-connects","quote":"Building relationships with local shops takes time, and knowing who's willing to help isn't always clear. ASC Connects, in partnership with Wrenchway, brings schools and industry together on one easy online platform","canonicalId":"company:asc-connects","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ASC Connects is an online platform aimed at connecting schools with automotive industry partners. It helps programs coordinate resources like guest speakers, shop tours, and student job opportunities in one place.","simplifiedExplanation":"ASC Connects is a website that helps schools and local auto businesses work together. It makes it easier to set up things like tours, speakers, and even student job leads."}},{"startTime":1220.0,"endTime":1245.8,"type":"term","title":"School Assist","url":"/glossary/school-assist","quote":"At the heart of ASC Connects is School Assist, the online resource that lets you post exactly what your program needs. From guest speakers, shop tours, tools... shops can see your requests and respond directly","canonicalId":"term:school-assist","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"School Assist is described as the core online resource within ASC Connects. It lets schools post specific needs—like tools, shop tours, and guest speakers—so industry partners can respond directly.","simplifiedExplanation":"School Assist is the part of the platform where schools can list what they need. Then local shops can see it and offer help."}},{"startTime":1356.8,"endTime":1362.4,"type":"term","title":"RC cars","url":"/glossary/rc-cars","quote":"maybe eighth grade do the RC cars because, you know, if you drive them like you're mad at them, they break and, you know, you got to fix them and everything else.","canonicalId":"term:rc-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"RC cars (radio-controlled cars) are small remote-controlled vehicles. In training, they’re often used to teach hands-on troubleshooting and basic vehicle dynamics because they break and need repair, just like real cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"RC cars are toy cars you drive with a remote. They’re useful for learning because you can crash or wear them out, then practice fixing them and understanding how they work."}},{"startTime":1367.2,"endTime":1372.6,"type":"term","title":"suspension","url":"/glossary/suspension","quote":"some basic stuff with tools and everything and how suspension works and maybe a little bit of the electric drivetrain, how that works.","canonicalId":"term:suspension","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Suspension is the system that connects a car’s wheels to its body and controls ride comfort and handling. Learning how suspension works helps technicians understand alignment, tire wear, and how bumps translate into vehicle behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension is what helps the wheels stay in contact with the road and smooths out bumps. If you understand it, you can better diagnose handling problems and worn tires."}},{"startTime":1451.8,"endTime":1465.7,"type":"concept","title":"service information","url":"/glossary/service-information","quote":"getting getting a student like that exposed to some of the the service information or some of the, you know, I'm just thinking of ways that to stoke that brain in curiosity","canonicalId":"concept:service-information","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Service information refers to manufacturer repair manuals, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and technical bulletins used to fix vehicles correctly. Exposing students to service information helps them learn the real workflow technicians follow during diagnosis and repair.","simplifiedExplanation":"Service information is the official “how to fix it” documentation for a car. It helps technicians diagnose problems the right way instead of guessing."}},{"startTime":1644.3,"endTime":1649.9,"type":"term","title":"cam","url":"/glossary/cam","quote":"Yeah, you know, back in the day, when I grew up, it was messing around, maybe putting a cam in, playing around with the carburetor, the ignition timing...","canonicalId":"term:cam","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A cam (camshaft) swap changes valve timing and lift characteristics, which can significantly affect powerband and engine behavior. It’s a classic performance mod that changes how the engine breathes.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cam is part of the engine that controls when the valves open and close. Changing it can change where the engine makes power."}},{"startTime":1649.9,"endTime":1654.84,"type":"term","title":"ignition timing","url":"/glossary/ignition-timing","quote":"...playing around with the carburetor, the ignition timing, you know, maybe a higher stall converter.","canonicalId":"term:ignition-timing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ignition timing is when the spark plug fires relative to engine position. Advancing or retarding timing can change power, efficiency, and knock risk, so it’s typically tuned carefully.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ignition timing is when the spark happens in the engine cycle. Changing it can make the engine feel stronger, but too much can cause knocking."}},{"startTime":1866.9,"endTime":1876.8,"type":"concept","title":"entry-level to advanced program","url":"/glossary/entry-level-to-advanced-program","quote":"They go and kind of earn their stripes in that lube rack... you almost have to prove yourself to get into that program. And it's got such a good reputation...","canonicalId":"concept:entry-level-to-advanced-program","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speakers describe a structured progression where technicians start with basic tasks and then “prove” themselves to enter a more advanced program. This is essentially a staged training pipeline designed to build competence and motivation."}},{"startTime":2319.5,"endTime":2325.0,"type":"brand","title":"Jasper Engines and Transmissions","url":"/glossary/jasper-engines-and-transmissions","quote":"This week's episode of Beyond the Wrenches brought to us by Jasper Engines and Transmissions. Okay, your customer's engine or transmission has failed...","canonicalId":"brand:jasper-engines-and-transmissions","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Jasper Engines and Transmissions is a remanufacturer that supplies rebuilt powertrain components such as engines and transmissions. The brand is central here because the episode sponsor is promoting remanufactured drivetrain replacements instead of vehicle trade-ins.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jasper is a company that rebuilds and sells replacement engine and transmission parts. In this ad, they’re saying customers can replace a failed drivetrain component without buying a whole new vehicle."}},{"startTime":2351.1,"endTime":2361.7,"type":"term","title":"drivetrain component","url":"/glossary/drivetrain-component","quote":"there's a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drivetrain component that has failed or is delivering poor performance.","canonicalId":"term:drivetrain-component","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A drivetrain component is part of the power delivery system—commonly the engine, transmission, and related assemblies. The segment uses this term to broaden the conversation beyond just “engine” to other failed or underperforming drivetrain parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The drivetrain is what helps power get from the engine to the wheels. If a part of that system fails or doesn’t work well, the sponsor says it can be replaced instead of replacing the whole car."}},{"startTime":2690.6,"endTime":2695.54,"type":"concept","title":"gap","url":"/glossary/gap","quote":"So, yes, I love, love, love that point. Yeah, there's definitely a gap in that. I tell them a lot of times when I visit, it's like,","canonicalId":"concept:gap","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “gap” refers to the mismatch between what schools teach and what shops need for day-one productivity. The speaker frames it as a common issue that can be reduced through mentorship, onboarding, and curriculum alignment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “gap” is the difference between school training and what a shop needs. The goal is to close that gap so new techs can ramp up faster."}},{"startTime":2735.2,"endTime":2740.8,"type":"brand","title":"Ford training","url":"/glossary/ford-training","quote":"...they can do GM training, they can do Ford training, Hyundai has training available, Navistar has training available and every once in a while you get a kid that's really hot...","canonicalId":"brand:ford-training","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ford training is manufacturer-specific education for working on Ford vehicles. It typically focuses on Ford’s diagnostic flow, service procedures, and how Ford expects repairs to be performed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford training means learning how to work on Ford cars the way Ford wants. It usually makes troubleshooting and repairs more consistent."}},{"startTime":2735.2,"endTime":2740.8,"type":"brand","title":"GM training","url":"/glossary/gm-training","quote":"...because we're ASC accredited, they can do GM training, they can do Ford training, Hyundai has training available, Navistar has training available and every once in a while you get a kid that's really hot...","canonicalId":"brand:gm-training","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"GM training refers to manufacturer-specific technician education for General Motors vehicles. These programs often cover brand systems, diagnostic procedures, and service standards that can speed up onboarding for new hires.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM training is GM’s own instruction for working on their cars. It helps new techs learn the right way to diagnose and fix GM vehicles."}},{"startTime":2738.0,"endTime":2740.8,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai has training available","url":"/glossary/hyundai-has-training-available","quote":"...they can do GM training, they can do Ford training, Hyundai has training available, Navistar has training available and every once in a while you get a kid that's really hot...","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai-has-training-available","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai training available indicates access to Hyundai’s technician education resources. Manufacturer training can be especially valuable for newer techs because it standardizes how to handle Hyundai-specific systems and diagnostics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai training is Hyundai’s way of teaching technicians how to fix their cars. It helps new techs learn the correct steps instead of guessing."}},{"startTime":3375.0,"endTime":3388.6,"type":"concept","title":"financial education","url":"/glossary/financial-education","quote":"Now, the fifth thing that you've got here is one that I think is so important, which is financial education. And something I don't think we do much of in our industry at all.","canonicalId":"concept:financial-education","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The episode emphasizes financial education as a key part of training new technicians. The goal is to help techs understand budgeting and avoid overspending early in their career.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying new techs need basic money skills, not just wrench skills. It helps them avoid buying expensive stuff too soon and getting stuck in debt."}},{"startTime":3596.3,"endTime":3604.3,"type":"company","title":"Dave Ramsey","url":"/glossary/dave-ramsey","quote":"...suggested, but whether they're going to check out a Dave Ramsey class or read a Dave Ramsey book...","canonicalId":"company:dave-ramsey","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Dave Ramsey is a personal-finance educator whose programs and books focus on budgeting, debt payoff, and building savings. Mentioning him highlights the podcast’s theme of using structured financial education to support retention."}},{"startTime":3778.5,"endTime":3804.0,"type":"car","title":"1970 Ford Maverick","url":"/cars/ford/maverick","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1972_Ford_Maverick_Sprint_%28616806978%29.jpg","quote":"So he says, all right, grandma's going to be done driving. So it was a 1970 Ford Maverick with a 170 straight six in it, and that car maxed out at 70 miles an hour.","canonicalId":"car:ford:maverick","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The 1970 Ford Maverick is a compact car from Ford’s late-60s/early-70s lineup. In this story, it’s notable because the speaker describes the specific engine and how it performed on the road.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 1970 Ford Maverick is an older Ford compact car. The guest is saying this was the first car he owned and he remembers its engine and speed limits.","imageAttribution":"dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":4036.1,"endTime":4067.2,"type":"company","title":"Wrenchway","url":"/glossary/wrenchway","quote":"Speaking of Wrenchway, Beyond the Wrench is managed and produced by the Wrenchway team. Wrenchway is dedicated to promoting and improving careers in the automotive, diesel and collision industries.","canonicalId":"company:wrenchway","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wrenchway is the organization behind the podcast, focused on improving careers in the automotive, diesel, and collision industries. In this episode, they’re also described as managing and producing the show, and providing resources to help grow the technician workforce.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wrenchway is the group that runs this podcast. They focus on helping people build careers in car repair and related fields, and they also support shops and dealerships with useful information."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jay Goninen","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/5-steps-to-train-and-retain-new-technicians/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}