Expand your opportunities.

Upskilling is your key to a rewarding future as an automotive technician.

1. Seek mentorship – who is the “go to” tech in your area? Ask his advice on more than just a car. How does he approach his job?
2. Plan training into your schedule annually. The best technicians dedicate 40 hours or more per year to upskilling through training
3. Master diagnostic skills. The highest paid technicians are those that can solve the hardest diagnostic problems.
4. Embrace new technologies – ADAS and EV’s are now showing up in the shop. Understanding how to keep these advanced safety systems and powertrains operating properly is key to your future as a tech.
5. Get out there – join professional associations and attend industry events and shows.
6. GET YOUR ASE CERTIFICATION – this shows you are a serious professional, and represent the future of vehicle repair.

1. Seek mentorship – who is the “go to” tech in your area? Ask his advice on more than just a car. How does he approach his job?
2. Plan training into your schedule annually. The best technicians dedicate 40 hours or more per year to upskilling through training
3. Master diagnostic skills. The highest paid technicians are those that can solve the hardest diagnostic problems.
4. Embrace new technologies – ADAS and EV’s are now showing up in the shop. Understanding how to keep these advanced safety systems and powertrains operating properly is key to your future as a tech.
5. Get out there – join professional associations and attend industry events and shows.
6. GET YOUR ASE CERTIFICATION – this shows you are a serious professional, and represent the future of vehicle repair.

1. Develop Strong Communication Skills:
Active Listening: Always listen attentively to customer concerns and requests. This helps in
diagnosing problems accurately and setting the right expectations.
Clear and Concise Explanations: Break down complex technical jargon into simple terms
that customers can easily understand. This builds trust and confidence.
2. Enhance Technical Knowledge:
Continuous Learning: Stay informed about new automotive technologies, repair
techniques, and industry standards. This knowledge is crucial for accurately conveying
service needs and recommendations to customers.
Hands-On Experience: Spending time in the shop and understanding common repair
procedures can greatly improve your ability to communicate with both technicians and
customers.
3. Master the Art of Up-selling and Cross-selling:
Ethical Selling: Recommend additional services that genuinely benefit the customer,
focusing on value and safety.
Educate Customers: Use the opportunity to educate customers on the importance and
benefits of regular maintenance and early problem resolution.
4. Improve Customer Service Skills:
Cataloging: Familiarize yourself with the parts cataloging system. Quick and accurate
parts lookup is essential to providing efficient service.
Software Skills: Enhance your skills in using inventory and CRM (Customer Relationship
Management) software. These tools can streamline processes and improve customer
interactions.
5. Leverage Technology:
Efficient Use of Management Software: Utilize repair shop management software for
appointments, service histories, and billing. This can streamline operations and improve
customer satisfaction.
Digital Communication: Use email or text messaging for appointment reminders,
updates, and confirmations. Keeping customers informed enhances the service
experience.
6. Focus on Time Management:
Prioritize Tasks: Manage your day by prioritizing tasks and appointments. Efficient
scheduling ensures that customers’ needs are addressed promptly.
Set Realistic Timelines: Provide accurate estimates for repair times and keep customers
updated on any changes. Managing expectations can reduce customer dissatisfaction.

1. Enhance Product Knowledge:
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest automotive parts and technologies.
Manufacturers often offer online courses and training sessions. Hands-On Practice:
Whenever possible, get hands-on experience with the parts you’re selling. Understanding
how they fit and function in a vehicle can greatly improve your ability to advise
customers.
2. Improve Customer Service Skills:
Active Listening: Pay close attention to what the customer is saying and ask clarifying
questions. Understanding their needs fully can help you provide better solutions.
Clear Communication: Use simple, understandable language when explaining technical
details to customers who may not have a technical background.
3. Master Inventory Management:
Organization: Keep the parts inventory well-organized. An efficient system for
categorizing and locating parts can significantly reduce wait times for customers.
Stock Levels: Maintain optimal stock levels to meet customer demands without
overstocking. Use inventory management software to track and predict stock needs.
4. Use Technology Efficiently:
Cataloging: Familiarize yourself with the parts cataloging system. Quick and accurate
parts lookup is essential to providing efficient service.
Software Skills: Enhance your skills in using inventory and CRM (Customer Relationship
Management) software. These tools can streamline processes and improve customer
interactions.
5. Develop Problem-Solving Skills:
Critical Thinking: When faced with unusual requests or hard-to-find parts, a strategic
approach can often lead to alternative solutions.
Resourcefulness: Utilize your network, including colleagues and online forums, to seek out
answers or find scarce parts.
6. Focus on Team Collaboration:
Interdepartmental Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with service
technicians and sales teams. This ensures that parts are available when needed and
customer expectations are met.
Feedback Loop: Share feedback from customers with the rest of the team. This can lead
to improvements in service and inventory management.