The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades released its first report examining the skilled trades workforce, including the automotive sector, and the factors shaping supply and demand.

The report noted three drivers of demand for automotive repair:

Aging vehicles. As vehicle owners keep their rides for longer periods of time, technicians must be knowledgeable about vehicle technology that spans multiple generations.

Electronic and advanced safety systems. Repairs that were once purely mechanical in nature have evolved to include diagnostic and calibration work due to the inclusion of electronic and advanced safety systems like cameras, radars and sensors.

Electrification. The rise of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid vehicles has increased the need for technicians to be well-versed in the technology.

The report also breaks down how workers enter and advance through the automotive technician workforce. Post-secondary training and workplace learning are the main routes for technicians. Advancement can be gained through specialized training and credentials through manufacturer-sponsored programs or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

It noted that entry into the technician pipeline is not the primary challenge. More obstacles occur once the worker is in the field due to the ever-evolving nature of vehicle technology. And since certification is not always mandatory, there can be gaps in a technician’s knowledge since new technology requires updated training.

Earlier this year, a survey by the ASE Training Managers Council showed how technicians want to receive that training. Almost 20% of respondents reported wanting classroom or instructor-led learning, but only about 15% reported that as the current reality. Hands-on lab learning was also ranked as a top need that doesn’t match today's conditions.

The most requested training topics from that survey also reflect the results of the alliance’s report. Hybrid/electric vehicle systems were the most requested, followed by electrical/electronic systems, advanced engine performance, and advanced driver-assistance systems.