{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Can the Technician Shortage Be Fixed?? | Josh Fowler","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/can-the-technician-shortage-be-fixed-josh-fowler","audioUrl":"https://media.transistor.fm/19a8e376/b21579a5.mp3","description":"\n        Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.  Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERERegister NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERELaunch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HEREIn this episode, Jeff is joined by Josh Fowler, a shop foreman at a Chrysler dealership in Adams, New York. Josh talks about how tough it’s been to find good technicians, especially with changing job trends and not much local talent to pull from. He and Jeff swap ideas on how to bring people in and keep them around, like offering signing bonuses and bumping pay as techs level up their training.Timestamps:00:00 Fuccillo's influence and radio presence08:58 Discussing repair workflow challenges12:30 Using signing bonuses to attract talent19:20 Exploring high school co-op opportunities23:42 Employee training and probation process30:55 Addressing incentive structures for young workers32:53 Developing mentorship and skill-building plans41:36 Building confidence through experience45:55 Developing practical mechanical expertise52:37 Addressing car maintenance and trade-in options54:57 Challenges driving service advisors to leave01:00:16 Technician networking and collaboration01:05:01 Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing01:10:26 Evaluating roles in auto repair01:20:02 Selecting appropriate diagnostic tools01:21:23 Addressing wages in the auto industry01:26:20 Addressing technician problem-solving skills\nFollow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232\n      "},"annotations":[{"startTime":7.0,"endTime":20.0,"type":"term","title":"flat rate tech","url":"/glossary/flat-rate-tech","quote":"I was never a good quote unquote good flat rate tech because I, I always wanted to give the best quality. Sometimes that meant a 35 hour paycheck that week just because I can't stand broken stuff.","canonicalId":"term:flat-rate-tech","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Flat rate” is a pay system where technicians are paid a set amount per job based on a published labor time, not the actual hours worked. It can reward speed, but it also creates pressure to complete work quickly while still meeting quality standards.","simplifiedExplanation":"Flat rate means a mechanic gets paid a fixed amount for a repair, based on an estimate of how long it should take. So if the job takes longer than expected, the tech may not get paid for that extra time."}},{"startTime":432.0,"endTime":500.0,"type":"concept","title":"technician shortage","url":"/glossary/technician-shortage","quote":"...we can't find anybody. And then me. We're trying to find at least one Chrysler...","canonicalId":"concept:technician-shortage","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “technician shortage” refers to a lack of qualified automotive technicians available to staff dealerships and repair shops. In practice, it leads to longer wait times, reduced capacity, and more pressure on the remaining techs to handle both warranty and customer-pay work.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means there aren’t enough trained mechanics to work at shops and dealerships. When that happens, cars sit longer and the mechanics who are there get overloaded."}},{"startTime":473.0,"endTime":500.0,"type":"car","title":"Master Tech","url":"/cars/renault/master","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/2015_Renault_Master_LM35_Business_Energy_dCi_-_2298cc_2.3_%28135PS%29_Diesel_-_White_-_11-2024%2C_Front.jpg","quote":"...y always wants a, you know, an OE level certified master tech. Right. We talk about that all the time. And I do...","canonicalId":"car:renault:master","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Master” in this podcast context appears to refer to an OE-level certified master technician, not a specific vehicle model. The discussion is about the importance of having highly trained technicians who can correctly diagnose and repair modern vehicles. It’s mentioned because technician qualification can directly affect how accurately complex issues are handled.","simplifiedExplanation":"In this podcast, “Master” isn’t a car—it’s about a top-level certified mechanic. The point is that a highly trained technician is better equipped to diagnose and fix problems correctly. That matters especially for newer vehicles with more complex systems.","imageAttribution":"Harvey Bold (CC0)"}},{"startTime":592.0,"endTime":615.0,"type":"concept","title":"used cars on the lot","url":"/glossary/used-cars-on-the-lot","quote":"...with the new ownership, they want a ton of used cars on the lot. So we have at least used cars to get through the shop...","canonicalId":"concept:used-cars-on-the-lot","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Used cars on the lot” refers to inventory that the dealership sells, often requiring reconditioning work before sale. The speaker says new ownership wants more used vehicles, which increases the shop’s day-to-day repair workload.","simplifiedExplanation":"If a dealership has lots of used cars waiting to be sold, they often need repairs and reconditioning first. That creates more work for the service department."}},{"startTime":724.0,"endTime":760.0,"type":"concept","title":"signing bonus","url":"/glossary/signing-bonus","quote":"Yeah. Are you offering a signing bonus? ... if you say like ... five grand signing bonus ... pay it on the under anniversary of their first year in, it can be effective...","canonicalId":"concept:signing-bonus","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A signing bonus is money offered to a new hire to encourage them to accept a job. In technician recruiting, it’s often used to offset relocation/commute costs or to compete with other shops when labor supply is tight.","simplifiedExplanation":"A signing bonus is extra pay a company gives you when you start a new job. Shops use it to get mechanics to take the position, especially when there aren’t many techs available."}},{"startTime":1078.0,"endTime":1110.0,"type":"concept","title":"electrical diag","url":"/glossary/electrical-diag","quote":"...there's never an end of electrical diag like that. That's my thing, that's what I love doing.","canonicalId":"concept:electrical-diag","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Electrical diagnosis (“electrical diag”) is troubleshooting issues in a vehicle’s wiring, sensors, modules, and power/ground circuits. It’s often difficult because symptoms can be intermittent and multiple systems may be involved."}},{"startTime":1251.0,"endTime":1271.0,"type":"brand","title":"Chrysler","url":"/glossary/chrysler","quote":"...I never took any of the Chrysler certified training, and I did warranty all day long and it got paid...","canonicalId":"brand:chrysler","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Chrysler is the automaker whose dealer service training and warranty processes are being discussed. The episode centers on how Chrysler’s certification requirements affect how quickly new technicians can handle warranty claims.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chrysler is the car brand/automaker. In this conversation, they’re talking about Chrysler’s training and certification rules for dealership technicians."}},{"startTime":1505.0,"endTime":1539.0,"type":"term","title":"ASEs","url":"/glossary/ases","quote":"...say you got some ASEs... you've had some training... but it doesn't count at... Chrysler...","canonicalId":"term:ases","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence, a third-party certification program for technicians. The speaker argues that ASE credentials from other brands may not count toward Chrysler’s warranty eligibility, which can create friction when hiring experienced techs.","simplifiedExplanation":"ASE is a certification program that many mechanics can earn to prove their skills. The complaint here is that Chrysler may not fully recognize ASE experience for warranty work."}},{"startTime":1581.0,"endTime":1605.0,"type":"term","title":"lifts","url":"/glossary/lifts","quote":"...they had 20, 30 lifts in that shop. So... they're getting in all sorts of people... Because empty bays is lost money.","canonicalId":"term:lifts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lifts” are the vehicle hoists in a shop bay used to raise cars for inspection and repairs. The speaker contrasts a shop with many lifts (20–30) versus a smaller shop, emphasizing that empty bays represent lost capacity and money. This is part of the technician shortage problem—without enough techs, equipment sits idle.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lifts are the ramps/hoists that hold cars up so mechanics can work underneath. If you have bays and lifts but no technicians, the shop can’t make money."}},{"startTime":1875.0,"endTime":1905.0,"type":"term","title":"progression plan","url":"/glossary/progression-plan","quote":"They need it. They need a progression plan that shows, like year one, you know, you can make $30,000...","canonicalId":"term:progression-plan","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A progression plan is a structured roadmap for how a technician’s skills, responsibilities, and compensation increase over time. The speaker emphasizes showing year-by-year income potential and milestones so new hires stay motivated. This concept is presented as a missing piece in the industry’s approach to technician development."}},{"startTime":2238.0,"endTime":2250.0,"type":"term","title":"voltage checks","url":"/glossary/voltage-checks","quote":"...And then start doing your proper voltage checks to it. Of course the thing's going to get, you know, just shotgun.","canonicalId":"term:voltage-checks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Voltage checks are electrical diagnostics where a technician measures voltage at connectors/components to confirm power, ground, and signal integrity. The speaker notes that if you can’t access the component or can’t get paid for the time, you may end up “shotgunning” (guessing) instead of performing these checks."}},{"startTime":2331.0,"endTime":2345.0,"type":"term","title":"relay","url":"/glossary/relay","quote":"...if it's powered by a relay, go to a relay... Switch it out with the other one... and a wiper turns on or a horn turns on.","canonicalId":"term:relay","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A relay is an electrically controlled switch that lets a low-current signal control a higher-current circuit (like a fuel pump, wipers, or horn). The speaker’s diagnostic approach starts at the relay because swapping/testing relays can quickly confirm whether the fault is upstream or downstream."}},{"startTime":2438.0,"endTime":2465.0,"type":"concept","title":"service manual","url":"/glossary/service-manual","quote":"...RTFM read the F and man. And he's exactly right. Because it's... That's the key component is being able to find the information you need in the service manual.","canonicalId":"concept:service-manual","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A service manual (or online service information) provides manufacturer procedures, wiring diagrams, torque specs, and diagnostic steps. The speaker emphasizes that strong techs know how to navigate this information to reduce guesswork and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth questions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A service manual is the official guide for how to diagnose and repair a specific car. Learning to use it helps you do the job correctly the first time."}},{"startTime":2726.0,"endTime":2735.0,"type":"term","title":"snapped the bolt off","url":"/glossary/snapped-the-bolt-off","quote":"Like yeah, we've, we've all snapped the bolt off. Taking the water pump out Right. Because, you know, we were trying to get it done and we looked at it, oh, it's not that rusted.","canonicalId":"term:snapped-the-bolt-off","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Snapped the bolt off” describes a common shop failure mode where a fastener breaks during removal, often due to corrosion, seized threads, or excessive force. It typically turns a straightforward job into a more time-consuming repair involving extraction and replacement parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sometimes a rusty bolt won’t come out and it breaks instead. When that happens, you usually have to spend extra time getting the broken piece out and replacing the bolt."}},{"startTime":3438.0,"endTime":3450.0,"type":"concept","title":"corrosion in connectors","url":"/glossary/corrosion-in-connectors","quote":"I mean we're finding a ton of corrosion in connectors. Corrosion and wires. The biggest one that I've seen this past winter is Pacifica Active grill shutter codes...","canonicalId":"concept:corrosion-in-connectors","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Corrosion in electrical connectors and wiring can create intermittent faults, high resistance, or complete loss of power/communication. The episode emphasizes it as a common cause of modern vehicle electrical problems, especially after winter exposure.","simplifiedExplanation":"Corrosion is rust/oxidation that can build up on electrical plugs and wires. When it happens, the car can act weird or throw codes because the signal can’t get through properly."}},{"startTime":3615.0,"endTime":3663.0,"type":"concept","title":"networking with other technicians","url":"/glossary/networking-with-other-technicians","quote":"...every technician out there right now, if you're, if you're working at a dealer and there's an online group for dealer techs for that brand, you need to be in those groups...","canonicalId":"concept:networking-with-other-technicians","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker emphasizes that technician networking—especially through brand-specific online groups—helps people learn recurring failure patterns faster. By sharing what they’ve seen on lifts and in comments, techs can build a “memory bank” of likely causes."}},{"startTime":3697.0,"endTime":3721.0,"type":"concept","title":"pattern failure","url":"/glossary/pattern-failure","quote":"...the idea that the pattern failure, the first step is to try and disprove that it's the pattern failure. And you and I know most of the time when you try to disprove it, it proves itself to be the pattern failure.","canonicalId":"concept:pattern-failure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “pattern failure” is a recurring defect or failure mode that shows up repeatedly across vehicles, often due to a specific design, part, or environmental exposure. The speaker describes a diagnostic mindset: try to disprove the pattern first, but in many cases the pattern ends up being correct.","simplifiedExplanation":"A pattern failure is when the same problem keeps happening in similar cars. The speaker says good diagnosis starts by checking other possibilities, but often the repeated problem is the real cause."}},{"startTime":3955.0,"endTime":3994.0,"type":"term","title":"ABS","url":"/glossary/abs","quote":"...the backup camera that was causing the ABS and something else to wig out on a car.","canonicalId":"term:abs","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which prevents wheel lockup during hard braking. Modern ABS modules also communicate with other vehicle systems, so an electrical or network issue can trigger ABS-related faults indirectly."}},{"startTime":4481.0,"endTime":4528.0,"type":"brand","title":"Harbor Freight","url":"/glossary/harbor-freight","quote":"Now with the evolution of Harbor Freight, I advise everybody now I'm like, if you can afford it and they're even doing zero interest now, go to Harbor Freight and get your good starter set...","canonicalId":"brand:harbor-freight","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Harbor Freight is a discount tool retailer known for lower-cost starter tool sets and frequent promotions. The speaker recommends it for young technicians building an initial toolbox, especially when tool-truck brands are expensive.","simplifiedExplanation":"Harbor Freight is a store that sells tools for less money. The host suggests it as a way for new mechanics to start without going broke."}},{"startTime":4760.0,"endTime":4795.0,"type":"term","title":"scan tools","url":"/glossary/scan-tools","quote":"But I mean like you, especially if you work at a dealer, you really Only need like kind of a standalone code reader just to get fast through some stuff... Scan tools is another thing.","canonicalId":"term:scan-tools","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Scan tools are diagnostic devices used to communicate with a vehicle’s onboard computer. They can read trouble codes and often allow code clearing, which speeds up troubleshooting.","simplifiedExplanation":"A scan tool plugs into the car and reads the warning codes from the computer. That helps you figure out what’s wrong faster."}},{"startTime":4815.0,"endTime":4835.0,"type":"term","title":"code read and code cleared","url":"/glossary/code-read-and-code-cleared","quote":"...you can still get the code read and code cleared without having to do it.","canonicalId":"term:code-read-and-code-cleared","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Code read” means pulling stored trouble codes from the vehicle’s computer. “Code cleared” resets those codes so you can confirm whether the fault returns after repairs or testing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The scanner can show you what the car’s computer is complaining about, and then you can clear those warnings. After you fix something, you clear the codes to see if the problem comes back."}},{"startTime":5158.0,"endTime":5170.0,"type":"term","title":"hood latch","url":"/glossary/hood-latch","quote":"...Sherwood's with his, that Nissan with the hood latch thing, right?","canonicalId":"term:hood-latch","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A hood latch is the mechanism that secures the hood and often includes sensors/actuators that tell the vehicle whether the hood is properly closed. If it malfunctions, it can trigger warnings or prevent certain systems from operating correctly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The hood latch is what keeps the hood shut while you drive. If it’s not working right, the car may think the hood isn’t closed and cause weird warning behavior."}},{"startTime":5180.0,"endTime":5205.0,"type":"term","title":"check engine chucker","url":"/glossary/check-engine-chucker","quote":"...he may never want to be great at it, but he should have his fundamentals down that it's like, I've watched enough check engine chucker.","canonicalId":"term:check-engine-chucker","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Check engine chucker” is a slang jab at people who rely on basic code reading and guesswork rather than real diagnosis. The speaker is emphasizing fundamentals and process over random parts swapping.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is slang for someone who just reads the warning code and tries to guess the fix. The speaker wants techs to actually diagnose the problem step-by-step."}},{"startTime":5280.0,"endTime":5310.0,"type":"concept","title":"apprentice program","url":"/glossary/apprentice-program","quote":"That's definitely, definitely could be we're failing to grow them. Yeah, I know this region, like the three, four dealers in this region don't have an apprentice program.","canonicalId":"concept:apprentice-program","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An apprentice program is a structured pathway where new technicians learn on the job while working toward certifications. In dealership and independent shop settings, it’s often used to build a pipeline of future techs instead of relying on hiring fully trained people.","simplifiedExplanation":"An apprentice program is like a training job. A new tech learns from experienced people and works toward getting certified."}},{"startTime":5564.0,"endTime":5588.0,"type":"concept","title":"certified","url":"/glossary/certified","quote":"...your young people, in order to get them up certified, you're gonna have to give them something... for doing their tests, for doing their certs...","canonicalId":"concept:certified","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Certified” here refers to technicians earning credentials through training and testing, often tied to manufacturer or program levels. The episode emphasizes paying or incentivizing trainees for completing certifications because it helps them progress and stay."}},{"startTime":5588.0,"endTime":5637.0,"type":"concept","title":"retention","url":"/glossary/retention","quote":"...getting them into the culture of learning and getting certified, if you can get them doing that quickly, I think it'll help some of the retention, you know...","canonicalId":"concept:retention","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.87,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Retention is the ability of a shop to keep technicians over time rather than losing them to other employers or brands. The episode ties retention to training speed, certification pride, realistic pay conversations, and incentives like bonuses."}},{"startTime":5675.0,"endTime":5690.0,"type":"company","title":"NAPA","url":"/glossary/napa","quote":"...your local Napa, your local AutoZone, you know, O'Reilly's and all that kind of stuff, maybe they can help you out.","canonicalId":"company:napa","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NAPA is referenced as a local parts supplier that could help spread the word about technician hiring. The speaker’s strategy is to build relationships with parts stores so they can point interested people toward the shop.","simplifiedExplanation":"NAPA is a parts store. The idea is to ask them to help connect you with people who might want a mechanic job."}},{"startTime":5675.0,"endTime":5721.0,"type":"concept","title":"referral bonus","url":"/glossary/referral-bonus","quote":"...if your tool guy gets your recruit, you know, that's the other thing too. Like if you can eventually get somebody... there's a signing bonus for that guy and then there's like a $500 bonus... for getting a referral...","canonicalId":"concept:referral-bonus","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.93,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A referral bonus is compensation offered when an employee or vendor brings in a successful candidate. The transcript describes using tool vendors (“tool guys”) and team members to recruit, then paying bonuses for successful referrals."}},{"startTime":5675.0,"endTime":5690.0,"type":"company","title":"AutoZone","url":"/glossary/autozone","quote":"...your local Napa, your local AutoZone, you know, O'Reilly's and all that kind of stuff, maybe they can help you out.","canonicalId":"company:autozone","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"AutoZone is mentioned as a parts retailer that can help with recruiting by referring people who already show interest in car work. The episode frames it as “keeping the word in the air” through local automotive businesses.","simplifiedExplanation":"AutoZone is a store that sells car parts. They’re suggesting you partner with stores like this to find potential future techs."}},{"startTime":5675.0,"endTime":5690.0,"type":"company","title":"O'Reilly's","url":"/glossary/o-reilly-s","quote":"...your local Napa, your local AutoZone, you know, O'Reilly's and all that kind of stuff, maybe they can help you out.","canonicalId":"company:o-reilly-s","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"O’Reilly Auto Parts is cited alongside other retailers as a potential recruiting partner. The speaker’s idea is that parts-store employees often know local car enthusiasts and can help connect them to shop interviews."}},{"startTime":5902.0,"endTime":5961.0,"type":"concept","title":"1% better every day","url":"/glossary/1-better-every-day","quote":"You have to go home and pour into yourself every day 1% better, as I keep saying. And that's, that's how you, that's the secret sauce.","canonicalId":"concept:1-better-every-day","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“1% better every day” is a continuous-improvement mindset applied to technician development. In practice, it means small daily gains—better diagnostics, cleaner repairs, improved documentation, and faster learning—compound over time into real career growth."}},{"startTime":5990.0,"endTime":6000.0,"type":"term","title":"missing 10 millimeter","url":"/glossary/missing-10-millimeter","quote":"...Remember what I always say, in this industry, you get what you pay for. Here's hoping everyone finds their missing 10 millimeter...","canonicalId":"term:missing-10-millimeter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Missing 10 millimeter” is a common mechanic joke meaning a tool has disappeared—typically the 10mm socket. It’s a shorthand for the reality that small tools are easy to lose during repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a running joke among mechanics: the 10mm socket is always “missing.” It usually means someone misplaced a small tool while working."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jeff Compton","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/can-the-technician-shortage-be-fixed-josh-fowler/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}