During a local shop visit, our marketing team asked a few technicians what advice they have for technicians who are new to the industry. They said things like, “Take the advice,” and “Keep an open mind.” We turned their advice into a TikTok that currently has over 73k views and 200 comments.
Then we thought, why stop with just a TikTok?
We asked more technicians in our network the same question: What advice do you have for new technicians who are just entering the industry?
Check out what they had to say below.
Slow Down & Understand Your Skill Level
“New techs slow down. Start slow and do the job right. Speed will come with time. Rookies that try to rush their jobs almost always make mistakes. Do it right the first time and lean on us older guys.”
Dondy Adams
Mechanic, Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto
Connect on LinkedIn
“I think one of the hardest things for new techs is “accepting” where they are currently with their skill level. They hear from the teachers that they should make $100k no problem and see some of the seasoned techs making that or more, but when they look at their paycheck, there’s a massive disconnect between what they see and where their mind has been taken by others.
My recommendation would be to slow down and figure out where they are currently at on their journey of obtaining the skills needed to be a high-earning technician.
Lastly, when they make a mistake (and they will), accept that mistake but DO NOT allow it to become a failure. Take the time to learn from the mistake and how to NOT make it again.”
Jon Olstad
Technician Lead, Walser Polar Chevrolet
“Do it right the first time. Treat every client like your grandparents.”
Timothy (TJ) Corbin
Lead Auto Glass Technician, Caliber Auto Glass
Connect on LinkedIn
“After 20 years and two master certifications, I don’t consider myself a master or even close to one. I’ve learned to ask questions, and take my time because good artwork takes time!”
Peter Franco
Diesel Instructor, Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Connect on LinkedIn
“Don’t seek the highest compensation as fast as you can get it. The more you are paid, the more that will be expected of you. The higher expectations from an employer may lead you to focus more on production and less on continuing to learn. In essence, this will stall your career.”
Jason Olinger
Automotive Technician, Gwatney Chevrolet
Connect on LinkedIn and TikTok
Train, Train, & Train
“Learning the business is very important. Free courses on business structure (SAP, ERP to start) can be found on LinkedIn Learn and are very worth your time. Understanding the business can have a PROFOUND impact on the speed of your success in this industry.”
Mel Hirst
Technician, Lucid Motors
Connect on LinkedIn
“Obtain your OEM and ASE certifications as rapidly as possible. Also, do not wallow in the mud of shop or tech drama.”
Mike Baldwin
Master Certified Service Manager, Pedersen Toyota
Connect on LinkedIn
“Whatever recall, warranty job, or diagnosis no one else wants due to difficulty or pay, practice it until you beat book time. By having the mindset that no diagnosis or job is too difficult, your career will never be the same.”
Josh Arnold
Master Technician, Toyota of Corvallis
“Never stop learning. This job will humble you quickly. Being ambitious is so important, and frankly, this is a very bad issue right now. The guys that want to learn and work hard stand out to senior technicians. So naturally, those techs help you if they see you truly want it.”
Gage Bennett
Kenworth Master Technician, Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC Kenworth)
Connect on LinkedIn
“Trust your training, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help. We were all new at one point!”
Jake Martin
Body and Paint Instructor/Developer, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
Connect on LinkedIn
“You will never know everything. Treat every day as another learning opportunity and learn from your mistakes.”
Tim Kesterson
Automotive Technician, Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road
Connect on LinkedIn
“Learn how to find the information you’re looking for. Familiarize yourself with your service manual and whatever service information you’re using. Follow the diagnostic procedures and don’t immediately try to take shortcuts. You’ll learn the shortcuts in time. The rest is just nuts and bolts, taking it apart and putting it back together the same way.”
Jason Hartsell
Mobile Diagnostic Technician, Protech Automotive Solutions
Connect on LinkedIn
“Get your ASEs, and get certified in whatever your employer offers (if you can). Communicate that you want to go to school or inquire how you would go about being sent to school if your employer offers those types of programs.”
Zach Espinosa
Auto Technician, Dolan Toyota
Connect on LinkedIn
Avoid Tool Debt & Other Tool Advice
“Pay cash for your tools. Buy the cheapest thing you can find and once you break it and you’ve used it enough, buy the best thing you can afford. It’s okay to use a U.S. General, Craftsman, or Husky box and work your way up when you can pay cash.
Avoid debt like it’s a plague because the freedom opens options to do something different if you need to execute your exit plan.”
Russell Wickham
Electrical Repair Technician, Vertex
Connect on LinkedIn
“Acquire tools through various forms, but it’s also not a bad thing to buy from a tool truck. It just needs to be done responsibly.”
Craig Tomczyk
Auto/Diesel Technician, Transdev North America
Connect on LinkedIn
“Good tools. Tools are your best friend and tools like Gear Wrench, Irwin, S&K, Husky, Craftsman, and Kobalt will get you started and will be reliable without the high cost.
Buy a reasonably priced toolbox and put good tools in it. A toolbox sits against the wall and stores your tools. Most of the time, you will be working out of your tool cart. You don’t need a $15,000 toolbox.”
Steven Redlon
ASE Certified Automotive Technician, Yont’s Auto Care LLC
Connect on LinkedIn
“Make sure those tools are clean and put back in the correct home when you’re done. Also, Snap-on is NOT the end-all-be-all for tools. Harbor Freight works just fine. Leave the name-brand tools for things like Allen and Torx sockets—the tools that need finer machining.”
Heather Holler
Motorsports Mechanic, Miss Shift Industries
Connect on LinkedIn
Listen to Senior Techs
“Ask questions and actually listen to what senior techs have to say. Don’t come into the new position thinking you know everything. Even some of the senior guys, myself included, still ask questions to other senior techs. Always keep learning and improving.”
Patrick Mullen
Diesel Mechanic, Penske Truck Leasing
Connect on LinkedIn
“Stay humble, keep an open mind, ask questions, and learn from the guys who have been doing it for a while.”
Richard West
Diesel Mechanic, Ryder System, Inc.
Connect on LinkedIn
“Be humble. Master the fact that there is always something you can learn from almost anybody, and most of all, be willing to do it.”
Charley Helvy
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, Republic Services
Connect on LinkedIn
“Shut up. Listen. Old guys know a lot. Check your ego at the door!”
James Bice
Senior Automotive Technician, Kuhn Volswagen
Connect on LinkedIn
“If you ask a tech for help or advice, do not go asking everyone. This is called being an “askhole.” In other words, you ask people until you get the answer you want to hear. Every tech has their own way of doing diagnostics. There is usually a reason why they tell you to check certain things. Plus, as an apprentice, they may not be making money off of you. Respect the fact that they’re willing to stop to help you on their time.”
Chris Chrisanti
Audi Master Guild Technician, The Audi Exchange
Connect on LinkedIn
You’ve Got This!
“Anyone can buy a tool. Everyone does not possess the skill to use them.”
Noel Leach
Master Technician, PEP BOYS-MANNY MOE & JACK
Connect on LinkedIn
“Integrity. As large as the service industry is, it’s actually very small. What you do and how you present yourself does matter…. We’ll follow you!”
Kevin Armstrong
Lead Service Technician, Hawk Chevrolet, Cadillac of Joliet
Connect on LinkedIn
“Strive to stand out, be a positive example, and avoid letting others jade you. This industry is full of average; don’t be.”
Craig Zale
CEO/ASE Master Tech, Craig’s Car Care INC
Connect on LinkedIn
“Stick with it. You will receive a lot of new information in a short amount of time. That can be challenging, but it is absolutely rewarding. This is an extremely fast-paced industry, with a lot of growth, changes, and new opportunities. But stick with it and you will grow tremendously as a technician.”
Stephanie Stanke
Automotive Business Professional and Educator, Wooster’s Garage
Connect on LinkedIn
