Four ways to incorporate training into your shop

July 1, 2019
While some collision repair methods can be self-taught through experience, OEM vehicle changes, and things like computerized measuring, require hands-on training from someone who knows what they’re doing.

Shop owners know that the biggest factor in the success of their business is their employees. Hiring hard-working, knowledgeable and trustworthy technicians is the first step in establishing and maintaining a thriving business.

However, finding the right talent is becoming increasingly more complex. Industry advances like ADAS make it difficult for even the most skilled technicians to stay current on industry trends and the advanced skills that are required in modern collision repair. Technicians need to keep up with rapidly changing technology and the structural changes happening in new vehicles—and that’s where auto tech training comes in.  

While some collision repair methods can be self-taught through experience, OEM vehicle changes, and things like computerized measuring, require hands-on training from someone who knows what they’re doing.

(Image courtesy of Chief Automotive Technologies) Showing the proper procedures for using Chief’s Tesla holding system.

Why training is important

Ask anyone in the industry, and they’ll say training is important, but many shops don’t take the time to do regular training with their technicians. Many technicians and shop owners believe that because they’ve been doing repairs for 30 years, they know what they’re doing, or they’ll figure it out. But that mindset is dangerous. Cars are continually changing, even within the same model year. A 2019 Honda Civic a tech worked on in January may have significant differences from the one brought in July. If technicians don’t keep up on training, reading manuals and following procedures, then they’re doing it wrong. 

Modern collision repair requires technicians to understand: 

  • How a collision impacts a vehicle and how that force travels.
  • How the vehicle absorbs the impact and where to look for structural misalignment.
  • The methods of repair or replace and joining the more advanced and diverse metals, fibers and plastics that are used in vehicle manufacturing.

These are essential requirements that a collision repair technician needs to grasp in order to return a damaged vehicle to its original design specifications. But, more importantly, not understanding how to properly repair a vehicle can put the car owner’s life in danger. 

Four ways to incorporate training in the shop

Training doesn’t have to be expensive or involve sending technicians out of the shop for days on end and lost revenue. There are several ways to incorporate training into daily shop operations. 

Make it a part of new-hire orientation  

When hiring, shops may be down a technician and need to quickly get someone who can get to work right away. That’s all and well, but it’s important to set new technicians up for success by allowing enough time for training.

If finding time is a challenge, put a safety-conscious employee in charge of training. That person will have a big influence on the new hire, and not just in terms of training and skills. They will be more likely to take on the trainer’s habits when it comes to things like safety, efficiency, tidiness and more.

Young technicians may also be new to using some equipment, so even after initial training, make sure they have help the first several times they use any new equipment. And be sure to ask for feedback and allow them to weigh in on training. Ask them about the training processes – what did they wish to learn but didn’t? What went well, what didn’t?

Create a culture of training in the shop. Be clear that training is part of the shop’s culture and set clear expectations for new employees that it’s okay to ask questions or ask for help and encourage ongoing learning.

Consider in-shop opportunities    

Training doesn’t need to take technicians out of the shop for days on end. Shop owners can and should leverage their local equipment distributors, or other vendors such as paint or even an OEM representative. These individuals can all be valuable resources to provide additional training. Try to time visits to coincide with new employee training or have representatives give an updated demo or fill employees in on any changes.

Look for flexible training options

New-hire training ensures employees have the basics covered when it comes to the processes and tools used in the shop. Yet there’s a chance they’ll need more training than can be offered in-shop or off-site. If this is the tech’s first job, or the shop is moving to a new type of repair or has new equipment, it’s wise to offer additional training. Companies like Chief offer courses that are designed to teach technicians the skills they need. But, don’t think that out-of-shop training is the only option. There are flexible training options that can be customized to meet technicians’ schedules and their training needs. Think about conducting training at several shops over a one- or two-day period, or hold multiple sessions at the shop in one day so techs can rotate in and out while the business stays up and running. Shop owners shouldn’t be afraid to ask how to customize training that works for their shop.

(Image courtesy of Chief Automotive Technologies) Chief University training class

Provide hands-on training

While time and money can limit the amount of off-site training, it can often be a valuable opportunity to provide extensive training. This type of hands-on training gives technicians the ability to work on a damaged car, see how to operate a rack and look at different vehicles to gain a better understanding on how technology is changing with those vehicles. This type of setting allows techs to be free from distractions, focus and to not feel as pressed for time.

Leverage online or virtual training

While there’s nothing like hands-on training, resources like Chief or I-CAR offer online training and webinars that can provide a lot of great information as well. The benefit for this type of training is that courses are often short and can be taken over lunch, at night or on the weekends, allowing technicians to better fit in training at a time that is convenient.

Invest in the future    

Ensuring employees have the tools and equipment and training they need to get the job done efficiently and safely is a key component to any shops success. By investing in training, shop owners ultimately are building a legacy for the future of their business. Training can go beyond that as well. Give junior techs or new techs a chance to job shadow. Give senior technicians a chance to coach new technicians or get out in the community to mentor students in secondary trade programs. This provides additional opportunities for technicians to hone their skills and gives shop owners insights into the next generation of up-and-coming technician talent.

Benefits to regular training

In my years of training, I’ve never had a technician, or a shop owner regret their decision to do additional training. I’ve had techs say to me, “I’ve been in the business for 30 years and didn’t know I could do that,” or heard from shop owners who’ve said sending their techs to training helped improve their shops productivity and efficiency. And the benefits extend beyond new skills and efficiency.

Attract and keep tech talent

According to the TechForce Foundation, the industry is facing a technician shortage. One way to increase the appeal as an employer is to integrate training into the benefits and perks offered. Employees, especially younger ones, want to understand the opportunities they have for professional advancement. By offering regular and ongoing training, employees have the chance to take on more responsibility and show they are a valued team member, which can help not only attract new talent, but keep talent as well. And in an industry where there’s a growing tech shortage, shop owners need all the hiring advantages they can get.

Improve customer service

Training techs on how to use equipment more efficiently and show them the best repair methods helps improve their repair speed. This means when cars are in and out faster and quality repairs are done quickly, customers remember it. That leads to repeat business and a good reputation in the community.

Improve the bottom line

New equipment doesn’t come cheap. If shop owners aren’t taking the time to train their technicians on how to use the equipment correctly, then they aren’t maximizing the equipment to make as much money as they could be.

Techs who understand how to make repairs quickly and correctly also lower their chances of making a mistake, so there’s less of a chance of having to redo the repair at a cost to the shop. With top training, shop owners are also able to guarantee quality repairs, which are worth more.

With training, everyone wins

Training doesn’t have to be all or nothing, but it’s a must. Training gives technicians the skills they need to be more capable, which in turn helps increase their productivity and efficiency, and ultimately helps the business grow. Business growth brings new opportunities to the shop and its employees … making training a win for everyone!   

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