We aren’t just facing a technician shortage, we’re in a technician crisis. The average age of the current technician workforce is 40-years-old and that number keeps increasing. It’s more important than ever for shops and dealerships to help attract the next generation of technicians.

One of the best ways to get students exposure to the automotive and diesel industries is by offering hands-on learning experiences. Not only can hands-on learning give students a real-life look at what it’s like to work in a shop, but it also generates more excitement and motivates students to pursue careers in auto/diesel.

Let’s look at some of the ways shops and dealerships can rev up students’ interest and get them excited about the opportunities available in the industry. (No pun intended! 😉)

7 Ways to Inspire Students Through Hands-On Learning Experiences

1. Job Shadows

Students can observe different roles within the shop, gaining insight into daily tasks and career growth opportunities. A day or two of job shadowing offers a quick view of the industry, helping students explore where they might fit.

2. Apprenticeships or Internships

Hiring students for apprenticeships or internships provides valuable assistance to your shop while giving students an in-depth look at the career. This hands-on experience goes a step beyond traditional job shadowing and is often a requirement for some students to complete their programs.

For shops concerned about safety and costs, hiring under-18-year-olds can be simplified by numerous online resources from OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, some school districts cover the cost of paying the student and may even provide insurance in certain cases.

3. Shop Visits

Invite students to tour your facility to show them the daily operations of a shop. To enhance the experience, consider inviting students to have lunch with the staff so they can ask questions and get an authentic look at life as a technician. Another way to make the shop visit impactful is to invite students’ parents to join as well. In a recent survey, 48% of students cite their parents as a key source of information when deciding on post-secondary education. Parents often have a lot of outdated perceptions of technician careers, so having them see a modern-day shop can be very beneficial.

4. Classroom Visits

Speaking to a class is a great way to build excitement for the industry. Bring in an EV vehicle and a technician to demonstrate a repair, or offer assistance with ASE certification. Engage with students in the repair process and answer their questions to inspire curiosity and interest.

5. Community Involvement

Get creative and engage with your community by restoring a vehicle and inviting students to participate. Showcase the finished car at a local car show, allowing students to take pride in their work. You could also help a single parent in your community in need by fixing their car. Organize a team of volunteers of all ages to lend a hand!

6. Career Fairs

Set up a booth at local career fairs to showcase your shop and engage with students. Share information about open roles and learning opportunities for students in your shop to spark their interest. Enhance your booth by bringing different shop employees, like a technician, to chat with students or showcase equipment.

7. Donate Equipment or Tools

If your shop has unused or used equipment or tools, consider donating them to local schools, as they often seek such resources for their programs. Funding for auto and diesel programs is typically low, and many schools struggle to keep their program alive. A simple donation can make a significant difference.

How Shelby American Inspires High School Students With “Drive a Shelby to School Day”

In a recent episode of the Beyond the Wrench podcast, guest Mike Wiant, Regional Sales Representative of Shelby American, shared how his main goal is to inspire students through hands-on learning. He actively engages with schools and has launched initiatives where high school auto students get to drive a Shelby to school.

“Drive a Shelby to School Day” is a great example of how to inspire students outside of the classroom and leave a lasting impression… A drive in an amazing truck and a few phone calls with key figures in the industry will stay with this student throughout his education and career in auto.

Bridge the Gap & Start Empowering Students

To bridge the gap in the technician workforce, shops must take proactive steps to inspire the next generation. By offering hands-on experiences—such as job shadows, shop visits, classroom engagements, community events, and career fairs—shops can effectively showcase careers in the auto and diesel industries.

Not sure how to get started? Many instructors are eager to connect with local shops, so take the initiative to reach out or use tools like WrenchWay School Assist to find programs near you. Don’t overthink it—just take the first step. Become a familiar name and face for the students, so they remember your support when they consider finding employment and entering the industry.