The importance of the next generation

As the aftermarket continues to progress, the next generation of talent will be more crucial than ever. But those studying the automotive industry today need to be included and respected if the market is to thrive.

To find out more about the challenges facing apprentices, and the need for some attitudes in the industry to change in order to facilitate their success, Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry travelled to East Coast College in Lowestoft, to speak with Matthew Yeldham and Tia Marsh.

Listen to the latest episode of the Auto Repair Focus Podcast, the importance of the next generation, below, or find it on streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music. You can find more podcasts on our dedicated page.

Closing the skills gap

The next generation of automotive talent cannot progress without support. However, that support must come from the industry at large, as well as that of the teaching institutions. Without this, talents can not only be wasted, but lost.

We are the ones that are going to be working day in and day out in this trade and in this industry, commented Marsh. And without us, there will not be an industry. So, apprentices are very important.”

Yeldham added: “There is only an ever-growing skills gap, and with technicians getting older, or leaving to go to other industries and seeking more money, is to bring in the future generations. They are the ones who are going to fill the gaps, they are going to take the industry further, with new insights and new ideas that a fresh pair of eyes can bring.”

Looking after the next generation

While many garages taking on apprentices look after them, there are a number that do not understand the value of the next generation, something Yeldham is keen to highlight.

“As a college, I see far too many employers taking advantage of young people that are keen and want to be in the industry, or they do not meet the business’s expectations, or they put them on servicing because that is the quickest and it is the easy moneymaker,” he commented. 

“But as in life as it is with an apprentice, you get out what you put in. So, if you put in three years of training, encouragement, support, you are going to get out a very, very good technician.”

Marsh added: “It is a shame that garages take on apprentices and they are not fully aware of what they are taking on, the responsibility that they are taking on, and the actions that they are going to have to take in order to nourish the apprentice. You cannot take on an apprentice with really high expectations.”

It is also important to understand that different people learn at different rates, and in different ways. Acknowledging and engaging with the next generation of technicians can be beneficial to everyone. 

“Understanding equality and diversity, because it may be a man, it may be woman in that role,” continued Yeldham. And understanding that everyone is different, does not mean that they are not capable. They can achieve whatever they can want to achieve, but you have to put in the time and the effort to train them.”

Gender does not matter

The experience that the next generation can bring does not have any barriers. For the automotive skills gap to close, everyone needs to be accepted. However, the reality is that there are still many challenges being faced, especially by young female technicians. 

There are people looking at me as a female and thinking, ‘well, you cannot do it, you cannot do the job,’” commented Marsh. “For example, picking up wheels, that is one of the most basic things. I have to put wheels on and take them off a car, so many times in a day. In one of my previous garages, there would be an older guy there, and he would want to get involved, telling me he would pick the wheels up for me, even if I said no thank you.”

“I get questioned by customers. It is the quizzical kind of look. With some customers, I will say something and they will look over my shoulder for clarification, to a male, seeking assurances that I know what I am talking about.”

“It may well be a generational thing, especially as the boys at the college do not have any issues with me in the class. But being a woman in this industry is really difficult, really tough. 

Listen to the full episode of the Auto Repair Focus Podcast, the importance of the next generation, below, or find it on streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music. You can find more podcasts on our dedicated page.