Nov. 2, 2022—The TechForce Foundation has released its 2022 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report, according to a press release.
This report revealed that the supply of new entrant technicians from automotive post-secondary education programs in the United States has taken a downturn of 11.8% and dropped to 28,866 in 2021.
Additionally, data from the report showed the following:
- The supply of program graduates (completions) dipped 2.6% and 0.4% in the diesel and collision repair components, respectfully
- Combined completions dropped from 48,208 in 2020 to 44,052 in 2021
- There was a year-over-year rebound in technician employment in the automotive (+4.2%) and diesel (+6.5%) repair segments
- Total employment of collision repair technicians dropped 0.7%
It has been estimated by TechForce that "demand for new entrant automotive/diesel/collision repair technicians – for new positions, replacements for occupational separations and unfilled positions from prior years – will reach 232,000 in 2022 and total well over 900,000 through 2026," according to the press release.
“This year’s report underscores not only the challenges we face in attracting, training and retaining technicians but also the boundless opportunities for talented young people to build successful, rewarding careers in one of the world’s most dynamic and technology-intensive industries,” said TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher via the press release. “The solution to this crisis lies in industry, nonprofit, education and government partners working together to build awareness, curiosity and interest in these careers among our youth.”
