As a shortage of technicians continues to plague the industry, schools and organizations have been working to attract talent and advertise fulfilling careers, KGW 8 reports.
Jay Goninen is the co-founder and president of WrenchWay, “an online community for auto and diesel professionals” that works with “a thousand auto shops and 500 schools” nationwide. Beginning in April, the organization will be launching local chapters.
“ … A lot of it is just starting conversations and starting to figure out how do we get this ship righted we get more people into the industry and how do we keep the ones we've already got,” Goninen stated.
One chapter will be opening in Portland, Oregon; the home of Portland Community College (PCC), which is a part of WrenchWay’s vast network.
One automotive instructor, Jay Huykendahl, stated that their two-year program provides prospective technicians with a certificate, as well as an associate’s degree for those who complete additional coursework.
“They've got a good knowledge base at that point. They're ready to go out and start learning the real work of auto repair,” Huykendahl said.
Angel Orosco, a student at PCC, is looking to begin his own career in the industry. He said he plans to become “a master technician and eventually open my own shop, but we'll see how that pans out.”
