To Hire and Keep Mechanics

There’s been a lot said about how to hire and keep, or retain, mechanics. Ironically, I’ve never seen one written by a mechanic. I worked as a Heavy Road Vehicle Mechanic for ten years and have sold to them for the last 5. I’ve accepted mechanic jobs, refused mechanic jobs, and quit mechanic jobs. Below are the main reasons I hoped I would enjoy working for a company and also why I left some.

Some of these points will make some people angry, likely believing that the point is exaggerated or useless. Other points may seem negligible or even completely unimportant. These are not, however, my opinions only. As a mechanic, I spent a lot of time working with and talking to other mechanics and when something is great or not so great in a company, it’s discussed. If you disagree, I’d like to look at your results.

Responsibility; Fear of mechanical failure, putting a name on a poor job

The most fundamental reason for a mechanic to be unhappy with their employment situation is the inability to tell themselves with confidence that they did the right thing. Everyone understands that sometimes a customer will only want a job partially done, no matter the reason. Even though the customer understands this, putting a vehicle back in service knowing it is not as safe as it could and should be is a painful experience.

More than ever a signed mechanics report is one of the first things that detectives will look for after a major accident. When a mechanic releases a vehicle knowing it is far from optimal, they see the investigation in their dreams. For some, this nightmare has become real. But even at a more fundamental level, no decent person wants to do mediocre work. Everyone with any sort of good mental health wants to do a good job that they can feel proud of.

This may not always be possible. The point is, as an employer you need to do two things. First, give every opportunity to your mechanic to do the best work they can. This can mean a lot of different things and they will be discussed below. Second, when the ideal can’t be reached, let them protect themselves at a minimum in their reports and let them know that you want them to do the best work they can, but in this situation, and for these reasons it isn’t possible.

Meaning; Greasing is not just a maintenance interval

Many studies and common sense show that the more someone believes in the meaning of their work, the happier they are, and the less likely they are to shirk responsibilities or quit. Greasing a truck or trailer is about as mundane and simple as a job can be. It’s basically the first thing an apprentice learns to do. That being said, greasing a vehicle is not about checking off a box or just fulfilling a maintenance interval.

It's no exaggeration to say that a grease job well done is probably one of the most important jobs in a garage. Without good grease properly applied, nothing works. U-joints and camshafts wear prematurely and break. Suspension grinds and squeals. And with everything working much harder the overall life expectancy of the vehicle is reduced.

To go a step further, a properly greased truck and trailer versus a poorly or not greased truck and trailer can, and often does, mean the difference between a driver not only getting in his work hours but finishing their day on time. It can be the difference between a factory getting the ingredients, parts or products that they need to function. And it can be a huge array of other people depending on a smooth and efficient transportation of goods. The simple act of greasing a truck and trailer properly with good quality grease can have huge knock-on positive effects that most will never realize. Mechanics need to know and believe that fact.

Respect; clean changing room, garage, yard, and tools. Good quality tools and parts

Many people have distorted ideas of respect. One example is “everyone deserves respect”. Sounds great, and hard to argue. I won’t argue with it at all. But the reality is respect is not something you can just pay lip service to. For respect to be real and for respect to be felt, it takes action. You can say what you want and you can put up banners and throw parties, but it’s the everyday actions that count.

Are the uniforms in good quality and is there a new one for every day? Are all the shop tools available, in their places when not in use, and in perfect working condition? Are the right quality parts being given to the mechanic who has little to no say in what is chosen? Is the garage well lit, and with good clean and smooth floors? Is the yard reasonable or is it like a flat slalom course? Are the changing and break rooms clean and comfortable? Are washrooms clean, safe and easily accessible? Are there first aid materials easy to get and are there people who can administer first aid?

These are just a few fundamental questions that need to be answered before you can have a serious conversation about whether or not you respect your mechanics. Respect is a verb, and it needs to be acted out. Are you acting respectfully?

Control; Mechanic has some autonomy

If you ask 3 seasoned and competent mechanics to show you how they change a wheel seal, there is a very good chance you will see three different techniques. And that’s okay. In a good apprenticeship, a mechanic will see many different ways to do the same job and they will learn what works best for them. People see the world differently, they are taller or shorter, more or less strong, etc. All these things lead to people choosing different techniques. What matters is: does it work?

If a mechanic changes wheel seals, for example, in a way that you can’t bare to watch, but it works every single time with no comebacks whatsoever, then just don’t watch them. Now that being said if they’re going through an inordinate amount of supplies, taking way too long and getting in the way of other work, then that’s a completely different story. But if it works, leave it alone.

That being said, if you can foster and encourage an environment where the mechanics, as a group, aim to achieve higher levels of proficiency and efficiency, then that’s really a higher level of working for everyone.

Positive reinforcement; People leave before being fired

Mechanics are human. As such, we need some certainty. I wouldn’t suggest constantly informing mechanics on the ins and outs of the entire company and its financial position, but mechanics want to know where they stand. If a mechanic is struggling, they probably know. If you rather they quit, just tell them. If you want to work with them to improve, tell them and create a plan. I know of more than a few garage managers who lost an employee and it turns out the mechanic thought they were going to get fired so they left. It’s easier to get a job when you have one.

Even at a more fundamental level, if a mechanic has a job to do, and they’re worried about all sorts of other things, they will do a worse job. If, as an employer, you have faith in them to do the job, then tell them. If you don’t, tell them and help them get better. It’s much better to overcommunicate in this area than not and with all the training available from so many organizations there’s no excuse not to (other than bad attitude by either side).

Personal improvement and career advancement

No one wants to be an apprentice forever. That said, not everyone can diagnose and rebuild today’s complex diesel engines. Barring a mechanic with completely unrealistic visions of grandeur, if a mechanic wants to improve, and they almost all do then help them do so. You will benefit the most. Dealerships tend to be the best at training their mechanics, largely because they have no choice if they want to remain the local dealer of the vehicle manufacturer. But even they tend to piece together random training.

Training should not only be regular but it should be intentional. The mechanic should master basic electric issues before moving on to complex electronics. And mechanics should master complex electronics before moving on to modern engines, which include a lot of complex electronics.

Conclusion

Very few mechanics got into their trade for the love of getting filthy every day, working in hot environments, banging and scraping their knuckles and getting the occasional oil or coolant shower. Truck and trailer mechanics is some of the most satisfying work there is but it’s not a given. By demonstrating respect regularly and helping mechanics to do what they want to do, namely, do good work, you’re helping people live a better life and hopefully make a good living at the same time.