Mack Trucks Inc. has launched The Technician Recruitment Program, a new effort to help dealers find, train and retain the next generation of skilled technicians.

“Dealers today are facing a double challenge – they’re confronted with this severe shortage of qualified help, yet they don’t have the time or resources to systematically address it. The Technician Recruitment Program is designed to bridge this gap,” said Al Hertzog, director of the North American Institute, the dealer and customer training operation for Mack.
The centerpiece of the program is a new Technician Recruitment Kit, which features materials and advice for young people consider considering careers. Included are a recruitment guide, brochures, video and PowerPoint presentations -- all aimed at educating potential recruits about the benefits of a career in truck repair and maintenance.
Hertzog indicated that one key audience for the kit materials is high school students. “Many of them believe that a four-year college degree is their only option. They have this image of the ‘dirty mechanic.’ We need to make young people understand that with the advent of advanced electronics, computerized diagnostics and other technologies, the nature of the job has changed dramatically. Working on trucks today provides a great way to make a good living doing something you enjoy,” Hertzog said.
The North American Institute is also adding an Entry Level Technician training course to its list of offered classes, to help dealers develop and retain newly recruited employees.
“That’s a critical part of the overall strategy,” Hertzog said. “It’s not enough just to bring them in the door. New recruits need proper training to be effective. Dealers have told us that what they need most right now are technicians with basic computer and technical skills. They’re looking for people who can remove and replace water pumps, alternators and wheel seals, for example, and do basic brake overhauls, and at the same time be familiar enough with computers to program an electronic control module in a truck. So it’s these basic skills that are the focus of our new course.”
The NAI is offering dealers a similar program to attract and train parts associates as well.
For more information about Mack, visit www.macktrucks.com.