Photos
Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
The shop is heated. There is no A/C but there are several industrial fans positioned throughout.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
The current team consists of one service manager, two service advisors, five techs, one warranty administrator, one parts manager, three parts specialists (one dedicated to service needs) and one operations manager.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
There are currently two shift time frames consisting of 6:00AM - 2:30PM and the other 7:00AM - 3:30PM.
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
The tools that you can expect to be provided are any specialty tools that are essential for the product, diagnostic software included on company laptops/computers, jacks and stands, ramps, welder, acetylene torch, and induction heater.
What type of break room facility is provided?
The break room at the facility is equipped with full control HVAC. Appliances include a microwave and a refrigerator. The room holds plenty of seating and tables. Also included in the break room is a television.
How many bays does your shop have?
There are ten bays at the shop.
How many repair orders do you average per month?
On average there are over 200 repair orders per month.
What is your parts ordering process?
The process goes as such. The technician will submit a parts request into our data management system. The request is delivered digitally to the dedicated parts specialist. From there, the parts specialist will advise on the availability, price, and lead time of the part(s) to the service department. For instance, if the repair is under warranty and the part is in stock, the technician will have the part within 5 minutes.
What is your policy on side work?
No policy in place
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
We offer plenty of training for International Bus. Training areas included consist of engine, chassis, electrical, bus body, hydraulic ramps, and aftertreatment. Also included is Cummins engine training aftertreatment systems.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
Midwest Transit Equipment promotes growth to further career, from apprenticeship to journeyman. The company has always preferred to hire within. Career growth opportunities can include office positions and/or mobile service tech positions.
Can you describe your performance review process?
The review process is a yearly performance analysis reflecting on how the past year was for the individual and gauging growth for the future. There is an open dialogue with manager. The manager will ask the individual what employee based goals (with backing from each department manager to achieve their goals) will be attainable within the year.
What type of safety training is required?
KPA is mandatory training online and in person.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
Midwest Transit believes that all technicians need help along the way no matter the experience level. Technology is always revolving, mechanical systems are always changing or improving, and therefore the entire team works together to learn and grow. With that in mind, we tailor each aspiring technician the ability to expand their natural skillsets and learn new skills from some of the best technicians in the industry. Based on experience we pair journeymen with less experienced techs till seen fit to work on their own accord. Less experienced techs that have completed work on their own will have to have a sign off from a journeymen approving the work that has been completed. At anytime the journeymen will be available to answer any questions and assist with any repairs.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
Midwest Transit Equipment likes to work with local business to better surrounding companies as well as working with local public works and communities.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
Our goal in the near future is to work with schools for job placement as well as sponsoring bus programs.
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
Every applicant goes through a phone screening process before an in-person interview.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
The in-person interview is a dialogue based meeting with the hiring manager. Questions should be asked by both the interviewer and interviewee that relate both to the position and life outside of work.
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
Midwest Transit Equipment runs a background check and a drug screening before hiring an applicant.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
We do not perform a skill assessment before hiring and applicant. Midwest Transit Equipment is looking for the right mindset that can be taught specific skills.
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
Within 24 hours after and in-person interview, a decision will be made on which direction to go.
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
From application to hiring decision, the entire process usually lasts less that one week.
Service Tech Entry Level
Pay Range: $37,440.00 - $45,760.00/year
($18.00 - $22.00/hr)
Must be self-motivated and willing to learn. | Must be physically capable of performing the duties of technician per dealer requirements. | Must possess a current and valid driver’s license. | Must accept success and failure as learning opportunities. | Must be capable of developing good communication skills. | Display the ability to work in a team environment. | Must be able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities and be responsive and flexible to best serve the issue at hand. | Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested by Manager. | Assist other technicians. | Maintain a safe and clean work environment. | Ensure that customer’s vehicles are kept clean. Notify service advisor immediately of anything that has happened to change the appearance or condition of the vehicle. | Accountable for all dealership-owned tools and manuals. Return them to the proper place and in the same condition as they were received. | Participate in manufacturer-sponsored training programs, schools, and events. | Must own a basic set of hand tools. (Yes, even if they are your father’s!)
Service Tech Apprentice
Pay Range: $45,760.00 - $66,560.00/year
($22.00 - $32.00/hr)
Must be self-motivated and willing to learn. | Must be physically capable of performing the duties of technician per dealer requirements. | Must possess a current and valid driver’s license | Must accept success and failure as learning opportunities. | Must be developing good communication skills. | Display the ability to work in a team environment. | Assist other technicians. | Must be able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities and be responsive and flexible to best serve the issue at hand. | Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested by Manager. | Assist other technicians. | Maintain a safe and clean work environment. | Ensure that customer’s vehicles are kept clean. Notify service advisor immediately of anything that has happened to change the appearance or condition of the vehicle. | Accountable for all dealership-owned tools and manuals. Return them to the proper place and in the same condition as they were received. | Participate in manufacturer-sponsored training programs, schools, and events. | Perform unsupervised work as outlined on vehicles with efficiency and accuracy, in accordance with dealership and factory standards. | Complete minor repairs within specified times. | Diagnose and repair typical vehicle systems. | Poses a functional knowledge of the parts system and communicate with parts department to obtain needed parts. | Examine assigned vehicle to determine if further safety or service work is required or recommended. | Communicate with service advisor immediately if additional work is needed, if work outlined is not needed, or if repairs cannot be completed within the promised time. | Participate in manufacturer-sponsored training programs, schools, and events. | Document all work performed and recommended on a repair order using accepted language. | Document all required information for successful completion of a warranty claim. | Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while providing a superior customer service experience. | Must own a complete set of hand tools.
Service Tech Journeyman
Pay Range: $66,560.00 - $108,160.00/year
($32.00 - $52.00/hr)
Must be self-motivated and willing to learn. | Must be physically capable of performing the duties of technician per dealer requirements. | Must possess a current and valid driver’s license. | Must accept success and failure as learning opportunities. | Posses good communication skills. | Display the ability to work in a team environment. | Must be able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities and be responsive and flexible to best serve the issue at hand. | Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested by Manager. | Assist other technicians. | Maintain a safe and clean work environment. | Ensure that customer’s vehicles are kept clean. Notify service advisor immediately of anything that has happened to change the appearance or condition of the vehicle. | Accountable for all dealership-owned tools and manuals. Identify issues with specialty tools and communicate to management. Make recommendations for tool replacement and inventory control. | Participate in manufacturer-sponsored training programs, schools, and events. | Perform unsupervised work on ALL repair orders with efficiency and accuracy, in accordance with dealership and factory standards. | Complete ALL repairs within specified times. | Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair non-typical vehicle issues. | Engage with external manufacturers and warranty contacts to maximize reimbursement of services. | Examine assigned vehicle to determine if further safety or service work is required or recommended. | Consult with service advisor about status of the vehicle repairs. | Provide technical expertise and guidance to all level of technicians. | Participate in manufacturer-sponsored training programs, schools, and events and make recommendations for other technicians within the shop. | Document all work performed and recommended on a repair order using accepted language. | Document all required information for successful completion of a warranty claim. | Road test vehicles for evaluation purposes specifically for noise, vibration, and harshness to determine needed actions. | Possess the ability to lead in a team environment. | Possess great time management and organizational skills. | Must own a complete set of tools.
- Health Insurance Offered
- Currently, on the first of the month following 60-days of full-time employment, regular full-time employees (exempt and non-exempt) may be eligible to participate in benefit programs offered in accordance with the plan documents and contribution requirements. Aetna
- Dental Insurance Offered
- Currently, on the first of the month following 60-days of full-time employment, regular full-time employees (exempt and non-exempt) may be eligible to participate in benefit programs offered in accordance with the plan documents and contribution requirements. Guardian
- Vision Insurance Offered
- Currently, on the first of the month following 60-days of full-time employment, regular full-time employees (exempt and non-exempt) may be eligible to participate in benefit programs offered in accordance with the plan documents and contribution requirements. VSP
- Retirement Plan Offered
- Currently, on the first of the month following 60-days of full-time employment, regular full-time employees (exempt and non-exempt) may be eligible to participate in benefit programs offered in accordance with the plan documents and contribution requirements. 401K with company match
- Sick Leave Not Offered
- Vacation Offered
- The Company recognizes that employees need scheduled time away from normal work duties to attend to personal matters and for their personal well-being. The Company cannot stress enough how important a work-life balance is and; thus, the Company strongly encourages employees to utilize any earned Paid Time Off (PTO). Keeping with the idea and belief that it is important for employees to utilize PTO to be away from work, pay in lieu of utilizing PTO is generally prohibited. The Company provides PTO to regular full-time employees, in accordance with the accrual schedule and policy as follows: (0-1) Year: 3.08 hours per pay period (2-3) Years: 4.62 hours per pay period (4+) Years: 6.15 hours per pay period
- Paid Holidays Offered
- After completing the first 60 days of full-time employment, regular full-time employees may be eligible for paid time off on the following generally observed holidays. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, its observance will be at management‘s discretion. Memorial Day | Independence Day | Labor Day Thanksgiving Day | Christmas Day | New Year’s Day
- ST / LT Disability Offered
- All Full-Time and Part-Time worksite employees working at least 30 hours per week for the eligible class of employees to which you belong. | Worksite employees covered under the Hawaii Pre-Paid Act are eligible working a minimum of 20 hours per week. | An active employee must first fulfill their probationary period. This is determined by the worksite employer. | An employee must be actively at work on the coverage begin date; and, coverage will only begin once the employee is back to work for one full day.
- Life Insurance Offered
- All Full-Time and Part-Time worksite employees working at least 30 hours per week for the eligible class of employees to which you belong. | Worksite employees covered under the Hawaii Pre-Paid Act are eligible working a minimum of 20 hours per week. | An active employee must first fulfill their probationary period. This is determined by the worksite employer. | An employee must be actively at work on the coverage begin date; and, coverage will only begin once the employee is back to work for one full day.
- Uniforms Offered
- Uniforms are provided to all employees on behalf of the company.
- Other Offered
- Complementary lunch once a month provided by the company.
Shop Talk
Top Shop Challenge: What do you feel needs to change in order to attract more kids into our industry?
From our Service Manager Lyndon “In today’s industry I feel kids are never given the option to explore anything in the trades. Most schools put their resources in test taking or sports and in turn that takes away from the trades. To attract more kids into our industry it needs to be normalized to have a physical labor job. We need to be honest with kids that you don’t need a college degree to make money. We should normalize introducing the trades at a young age and let them know it’s a viable path." ------- From our Operations Manger Jake: "I also feel that society doesn’t put enough education into the trades. This mentality is what built the labor unions we have today. To support the tradesmen in the world to make sure they are paid properly, have the training and skills necessary to execute their daily tasks, operate in safe environment, etc. If we consider all the skills necessary to be a well-rounded technician, the list is quite long. The technician: Must be able to read and write efficiently. The technician’s repair comments are what pay warranty claims. Must completely understand the theory and operation of electricity. Must understand the theories of multiple branches of science. Must completely understand the theory and operation of computer communication protocols. Must have the ability to problem solve and make decisions daily Must be able to work independently as well as with a team. Must understand mathematics & calculations when reviewing vehicle data and parameters. Must be physically fit to perform job duties for many years efficiently. What I have just quickly listed is a full degree for anyone else in the world, but a technician is expected to learn all this at a “trade school. Not to mention the constant continuing education as technology & vehicles evolve. So what needs to change, is we need to put technicians through a 4 year degree for the very demanding career they want to step into. "
Top Shop Challenge: Explain how you pay your techs (i.e., flat rate, straight hourly, etc.). Are there any parts of your pay plan that separate you from other shops?
From our Operations Manager Jake: "All our technicians are paid hourly. With bi-annual opportunity reviews, we have each technician set goals, obtain those goals with our help, and progress through their career with continued support from us. When our technicians meet the goals they have set and the ones we have placed on them, their hourly rate jumps considerably more because of the close relationship we have with each one independently."
What are some things about your techs that you're thankful for?
From our Service Manager Lyndon: "I am thankful for our technicians’ willingness to help out—whether it be heading to customer locations to keep the vehicles moving or practicing good housekeeping while keeping items safe. We have some of the most knowledgeable techs that know our products well and always perform successfully under pressure. I am thankful that everyone here is like family…they are always willing to help out with work and personal lives."
What are some things you wish the general public or kids about to graduate high school knew about being a tech?
From our tech Jared: "Kids graduating high school often see a stigma about trades because it is known for being dirty. They think that if you didn't get a degree, you won't have a job. And although one could obtain a degree in auto/diesel tech, people should know that you do not have to pick the path of a desk job to be considered successful. Those who pursue trades can often get a job right out of high school and start building savings rather than wait for college and collect debt. Also, when a student takes a look at an engine, they may feel intimidated with how the whole system works. As you learn things independently it all makes sense quickly. Every day is something new and when working on vehicles, the time flies compared to a desk job. Being a technician can be very fun when you accomplish fixing something." From our Ops Manager Jake: "One of my viewpoints about finding your career is this: you see something everywhere you go these days. Jobs that humans used to do are being replaced by a computer, a robot, or eliminated in general. Being a technician cannot be replaced by any of this. The logic, power of observation, and all the unique failures that happen to vehicles, can’t be repaired by anything other than a real human. Getting a degree and sitting in a cubicle has its limits. When you pour your heart and soul into being a technician, the better you become and the more value you hold. Therefore, you are able to dictate the money you earn. Your only limit is yourself."
Do you have a military vet in your shop that you'd like to give a shoutout to?
On behalf of everyone at Midwest Transit Equipment, we would like to say thank you to all the men and women who have served our country. Veterans Day is a special day to remember your courage and commitment to keeping us safe. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.