Mechanic shortage persists as workers age out of profession

foxbusiness.com:

Two Jersey City dealership owners told Fox News Digital they are not fully convinced EVs should be the only vehicle in the household.

There is a growing shortage of mechanics in the U.S. as workers continue to age out of the industry. The issue is there are not enough workers to replace them, industry experts warned. 

«Younger workers don’t see the value in ‘hands on’ work,» Autotrader's executive editor Brian Moody told FOX Business. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 67,800 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year through 2033. The department attributes many of these openings to the need to replace workers who leave the occupation, either by transitioning to different fields or retiring.

This comes at a time when millions of vehicle owners are already behind on certain auto repairs such as oil changes and tire rotations, according to recent data from Carfax. The company noted that neglecting such repairs is not only dangerous, but costly. 

MILLIONS OF CAR OWNERS ARE DELAYING MAINTENANCE REPAIRS AS COSTS RISE

«The automotive industry is at a crossroads, with a severe shortage of talented mechanics stemming from an aging workforce, fewer program graduates and the rapid evolution of vehicle technology,» Dustin Willander, CP Racing crew chief, told FOX Business.

Not only are many experienced technicians leaving the field, but Willander said younger generations are also «opting for careers in industries like tech and health care.»

A mechanic reaches for his tools at the auto shop. (iStock / iStock)

There are several factors deterring people from even entering the profession, including the pay structure at bigger shops, according to Moody. 

Some mechanics are only paid for