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Own the Technician Shortage: How One Shop Owner is Transforming Industry Recruitment [RR 1083]

Own the Technician Shortage: How One Shop Owner is Transforming Industry Recruitment [RR 1083]

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast Mar 17, 2026 34 min
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About this episode

Chris Machado shares his innovative approach to tackling the automotive technician shortage through XGen Academy, a 16-week program blending classroom learning, virtual reality simulations, and hands-on training. The academy also emphasizes essential soft skills like communication and financial literacy via its Reality Hub. Chris discusses the concept of the 'reverse funnel' to attract and develop young talent, aiming to make automotive careers appealing and accessible. Supported by Napa and community partnerships, XGen Academy is already producing graduates working in various automotive roles. The episode highlights the urgent need for industry-wide involvement to nurture the next generation of technicians.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

technician shortage

""that we specifically know we have a problem within our industry and that where are we gonna find the new specialist technicians to come into the industry?""

Technician shortage means there aren't enough skilled mechanics to fix cars. Many older mechanics are retiring, and not enough young people are becoming mechanics to take their place.

Term

specialist technicians

""that we specifically know we have a problem within our industry and that where are we gonna find the new specialist technicians to come into the industry?""

Specialist technicians are mechanics who know a lot about certain parts of cars or specific types of cars. They fix tricky problems that regular mechanics might not know how to handle.

Company

Napa Auto Care Center

"Hey, when customers choose a Napa Auto Care Center, they get more than a repair. They get trust, savings and peace of mind. Once your shop to stand out, connect with your local Napa representative and get the conversation started to become a Napa Auto Care Center."

Napa Auto Care Center is a group of trusted car repair shops that work with the NAPA brand to give you good service and fair prices.

Term

shop management system

"Hey, let's face it, your shop management system is the most critical tool in your shop and Napa Tracks will move your shop"

A shop management system is a computer program that helps car repair shops keep track of appointments, bills, parts, and customers so they can work better and faster.

Company

NAPA Tracks

"Find Napa Tracks on the web at NAPATRACS.com."

NAPA Tracks is a website where car mechanics can learn new skills and get training to help fix cars better.

Company

XGen Academy

"And then of course, XGen Academy. Lift that shirt up so we can see it. Look at that logo, the XGen Academy."

XGen Academy is a school or program that helps teach new car mechanics so there are enough people to fix cars in the future.

Concept

virtual reality lab

"There after their time in the seat, they head over to the VR lab or what we call virtual reality lab. And that's where they put on their headsets, they've got hand controls and they're simulating the theoretical education in a real life simulation via virtual reality."

A virtual reality lab is a place where people wear special goggles and use controllers to practice things in a pretend world that feels real. It helps them learn by doing without being in a real car or shop.

Concept

virtual reality simulation

"So through this virtual reality simulation, we're filling many gaps, we're crossing bridges, we're also solidifying their nerves."

Virtual reality simulation means using special computer programs to create fake but realistic situations where people can practice fixing cars without touching a real one. It's like a video game that helps you learn.

Concept

Bay training

"Immediately thereafter, they head down into the Bay and they receive approximately an hour to an hour and a half of Bay training per the day."

Bay training means actually working on cars in a garage using real tools to learn how to fix them, not just watching or practicing on a computer.

Concept

modern vehicle technology

"Today, it's a computer on wheels. In order to make it continue to run, we can't take a carburetor off and jack it up a little bit. Like we used to in the old days. ... You can't get any more high tech than a current vehicle today."

Today's cars are like computers on wheels, with lots of smart parts inside. Fixing them needs special skills and tools.

Term

carburetor

"we can't take a carburetor off and jack it up a little bit. Like we used to in the old days."

A carburetor is a part in old cars that mixes gas and air so the engine can run. Newer cars use different systems instead.

Concept

Napa AutoCare program

"With the Napa AutoCare program, you can deliver that positive experience every step of the way. It starts with visibility. Customers can find your shop through the Napa online locator at no cost to you. And thanks to fully integrated national marketing campaigns, Napa AutoCare shops are showcased as part of America's largest network of parts and care."

Napa AutoCare is a group of car repair shops that work with Napa Auto Parts. They help shops get customers by using advertising and special signs.

Term

digital vehicle inspection

"Inside your shop, that trust grows using digital vehicle inspection and Napa service assistant, you can clearly show customers what's wrong with their vehicle through pictures and videos."

Digital vehicle inspection means the mechanic takes pictures and videos of your car to show you what needs fixing, so you understand better.

Term

Napa service assistant

"Inside your shop, that trust grows using digital vehicle inspection and Napa service assistant, you can clearly show customers what's wrong with their vehicle through pictures and videos."

Napa service assistant is a computer program that helps mechanics explain to you what your car needs to get fixed.

Concept

Smart Sign

"Smart Sign creates an engaging waiting experience while exclusive consumer offers help save them on services."

Smart Sign is a screen in the waiting room that shows helpful information and deals while you wait for your car.

Company

Napa Autotech

"Customers also gain peace of mind knowing your technicians are ASC certified, trained by Napa Autotech, and backed by the Napa AutoCare nationwide peace of mind warranty."

Napa Autotech is a school or program that helps car mechanics learn how to fix cars better.

Concept

Napa AutoCare nationwide peace of mind warranty

"Customers also gain peace of mind knowing your technicians are ASC certified, trained by Napa Autotech, and backed by the Napa AutoCare nationwide peace of mind warranty."

This warranty means if something goes wrong with a repair done at a Napa AutoCare shop, they will fix it for you no matter where you are in the country.

Term

Napa credit card

"For an unexpected repair expense, the Napa credit card helps them get back on the road."

The Napa credit card lets you pay for car repairs little by little instead of all at once, so it's easier to afford fixing your car.

Concept

Napa CSI survey

"And when the repair is complete, their satisfaction is captured through the Napa CSI survey, turning great service into long-term loyalty."

The Napa CSI survey is a way for customers to say how happy they are with the repair shop's work, helping the shop do better next time.

Concept

reverse funnel

""So we're gonna flip this pyramid into a funnel. And what this funnel is gonna do, Karm, it's gonna capture the mass. And at the top of this funnel, we're gonna have XGen Academy's pathway.","

Normally, becoming a skilled technician is like climbing a pyramid step by step, which takes time. The reverse funnel idea flips this, starting with many people and guiding them through a path to become technicians more easily.

Term

hydraulic braking system

"...basic electrical, into hydraulic and power braking systems, drums, as well, pad brake system."

Hydraulic brakes use liquid to help stop the car when you press the brake pedal. The liquid pushes parts that make the car slow down or stop.

Concept

accreditation

"Hopefully, xgened will be accredited via state as well, federal accreditation. Hopefully, by 2027."

Accreditation means a school or program is officially approved and trusted by the government or other groups.

Company

Napa Auto Parts

"You've got an awful lot of support coming from Napa. I know that. Tell us about it. Yes, and so fortunate to have the support of a GPC Genuine Part Company, Napa Auto Parts."

Napa Auto Parts is a big store that sells car parts and tools to mechanics and people fixing cars.

Company

GPC Genuine Parts Company

"Yes, and so fortunate to have the support of a GPC Genuine Part Company, Napa Auto Parts. The whole crew, of course, has been such a pillar in CircleM's success."

GPC Genuine Parts Company is a big company that owns stores like Napa Auto Parts, which sell car parts to mechanics and people fixing cars.

Term

apprentice programming

"You had mentioned to me, oh my God, can you imagine? I understand apprentice programming, I really do."

Apprentice programming is like a learning plan where someone works and studies at the same time to become really good at a job, like fixing cars.

Term

ASC certs

"You get your ASC certs in there. I believe that a program like this, the 16-week program, could almost be duplicated around the country."

ASC certs are special certificates that show someone is trained and good at fixing cars.

Concept

service advisor

""He's a service advisor. He just was promoted, believe it or not, to full-time service advisor.""

A service advisor talks to car owners to find out what's wrong with their car and then tells the mechanics what to fix. They also explain the repair costs to the customers.

Brand

GMC

""It is Motor City GMC's aftermarket shop. So they lift trucks, four by four trucks.""

GMC is a company that makes trucks and big cars that are good for work and off-road driving.

Concept

aftermarket shop

""It is Motor City GMC's aftermarket shop. So they lift trucks, four by four trucks.""

An aftermarket shop works on cars to add or fix parts that didn't come with the car when it was new, like making trucks taller or adding cool accessories.

Concept

lift trucks

""So they lift trucks, four by four trucks. And it's called California Truck and Accessories.""

Lifting a truck means making it sit higher so it can drive better on rough roads or have bigger tires.

Concept

four by four trucks

""So they lift trucks, four by four trucks. And it's called California Truck and Accessories.""

Four by four trucks have power going to all four wheels, so they can drive better on dirt, snow, or mud.

Concept

porter

""He'll be a porter because it's a massive dealership. And then the kid, Noah here, he's in the bay now.""

A porter is someone who moves cars around in a dealership or shop to help keep things organized and make sure cars are in the right place.

Concept

Regional Occupational Center (ROC)

""And as far as the other kids, we work with the ROC, Regional Occupational Center of Kern High School District, as well as the C-TECH facility.""

A ROC is a school where high school students can learn special job skills to help them get ready for work in certain careers.

Concept

C-TECH facility

""Regional Occupational Center of Kern High School District, as well as the C-TECH facility.""

C-TECH is a place where students learn special skills for jobs, like fixing cars, to help them get ready for work.

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