Attention class. In this month’s issue, we are providing a focus on education. We try to do that in every issue by presenting articles where the reader can learn something, but here and now we are talking about physical schooling.
While we know that a true mechanic is never done learning new things in the school of hard engine knocks, this issue of Service Truck Magazine contains more than its fair share of articles on education for those considering a career in heavy duty equipment or as a heavy truck technician.
Education is a subject near and dear to my heart—not just because of the job title I attach to my name, but more so because I have a son who is (hopefully) successfully completing high school, and has said he is seeking a career as a technician—truck, coach, or otherwise.
First, some background. As some are aware, I took over as the editor of this magazine a scant five issues ago last year. While I had been the online editor for the magazine for the year previous to that, I only really began to learn about the issues impacting the service truck industry when I became editor of this here product.
I learned that among the parts shortages, and supply chain issues, we have a serious problem in enticing new blood into the field—be it as drivers or as technicians/ mechanics. We have a shortage.
It’s a seller’s market for all those with grease under what passes for their finger- nails. If you are good at your job or are willing to learn how to be good at your job, shops want you.
It could offer you a different way to earn money—see the Fullbay story beginning on page 1—or perhaps it’s more hours available to make more money, or maybe you get offered more vacation time and health benefits—whatever, the technicians are now in a greater position of power than they have ever been.
They can work where they want to work. Though let’s be honest, they still have to be able to turn a wrench and know their s**** (stuff ), and perform with manners and in a timely fashion. So it’s not for everyone. But for those who can, well… When I became the editor of Service Truck Magazine and learned of the issues impacting the trucking, construction, and mining industries as a whole, I was able to inform my son that maybe he didn’t want to be a car mechanic—what he had worked at last summer and as part of an internship while in Grade 11.
I suggested he might want to consider learning how to be a technician for trucks and other heavy equipment.
And that’s how he learned about the possibility of a career under trucks. It certainly wasn’t the school or the trucking industry providing him with data. It certainly wasn’t commercials on social media to entice.
It was by happenstance. The previous editor retired, and I was offered the opportunity. Luck. Otherwise, my son would be prepping for life as an auto mechanic.
Hey! Nothing wrong with that at all. I love my auto mechanic! No, I mean my son would not have even known about the trucking industry’s need for people to enter the technician field.
Along with not getting the messaging out, we need to create a positive message. Emphasis on the word “positive”.
Maybe growing up there was a misconception on my part and others like me, that those who couldn’t get into university or college would go to a trade school and learn to do the grunt jobs like plumbing, welding, and auto mechanics. I was wrong, and wish I had the brains to have done a trade.
Back in 1994 on an episode of the tele- vision program Frasier, the snobby psychiatrists Niles and Frasier Crane discovered that their plumber drove a better Mercedes than they did. That episode is called The Seat of Power.
It’s been true for decades. The trades are an excellent way for a person to earn money and have a decent career.
So why don’t enough people recognize that? The real problem, as evidenced by my son’s example, is that today’s youth—despite the reliance on social media apps—is unaware that various job opportunities are available to them in our sector.
We (as an industry) aren’t doing a good enough job of getting the message out. And what message is it? There is still a perception within the youth base that if one can’t get into university or college, then the trades are still there. It’s like it’s a last resort, and it shouldn’t be.
My son had no idea what he wanted to do when he finished high school. None. He thought about paleontology, but I’m sure one needs some really good marks in things he didn’t have really good marks in—if you know what I mean.
I was the same way. I applied to universities and colleges, not having a clue as to what I wanted to do… maybe marketing in college, but university? No clue. As luck would have it, I got into university and wasted five years getting a degree in political science. Then I went to college and did journalism. At least something panned out.
While some teenagers have an idea of what they want to do for further education, many others do not. And all it becomes is a waste of time, money, and opportunity for them in a program they aren’t interested in.
I should note that in the past few weeks, for the first time ever, I saw a commercial on regular TV touting the technical trades. The television commercial was general in nature, but you can see where I am going re: truck technician, right? It’s a start. But maybe keep in mind that kids don’t watch television. It’s mostly via online interaction where they get their information.
That’s what we need to do a better job of—getting people interested in our industry as a first resort.
Take a look at that same Fullbay article… I showed my son the part about how much money a senior technician could make at AM PM. It’s a lot. As he said, he might be able to afford a house one day.
The ability to set yourself up for success. That’s the message we need to deliver to young people considering a career. We know it’s not for everyone, but it is for a lot more people than even they realize.
The people fixing my vehicle, keeping my toilet a-flushing, ensuring the electrical in my house is up to code, tweaking my furnace so that it runs all winter, etc.— these people are smart! So why aren’t we talking about that?!
Truck mechanics help fleets stay on the road. This means commodities get delivered on time. Also, with maintenance, it ensures the trucks are safe on the road keeping the drivers around them safe.
Maybe we need a better PR department as an industry.
Service Truck Magazine also has in this issue an article about scholarships—because we are aware that not everyone has the money to get further education in the trades. You need to read that. It’s on Page 6.
If you are a shop owner or manager complaining about not having enough technician talent to do the work you have, perhaps you should consider helping our community by creating a scholarship for a student. It doesn’t mean you “get” that student upon their graduation, but certainly, your goodwill gesture may be seen as some- place where one may wish to work. But, the point is, you are helping youth and the industry.
And, because we care, Service Truck Magazine has an added resource on its website—Education and Training. At www.servicetruckmagazine.com/resources, you’ll see a link that when clicked upon, will take you to listings in the US (alphabetically by state) and to listings in Canada (alphabetically by province) for the upgrading of skills for you or your fleet technicians.
Lastly, Service Truck Magazine will welcome your news of educational and training opportunities for technicians or sponsorship of scholarships to bring new blood into the technician employment market. Just email me, Andrew Joseph, at editor@servicetruck- magazine.com.
And, speaking of education, I was able to personally attend Work Truck Week in Indianapolis—and had a wonderful time. A shout-out to the wonderful people of Simpson Communications who worked at the Press Room: Kristen Simpson, Diana Smith, Kylee Brooks, and Tracy Povolock.
I also wanted to go to the CONEXPO event in Las Vegas, but someone has to stick around and prepare this magazine for you. Maybe in two more years. I do want to see a hockey game there. I did want to see an NBA game in Indy, but guess who was on the road? Timing is everything. Just ask my son.
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2023 issue of Service Truck Magazine.
