Techs of the Future with Stacey Phillips
Stacey Phillips is an award-winning writer for the automotive industry based in Southern California. She has more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer and has assisted a wide range of businesses and fields. In addition, Stacey has co-authored two books. She can be reached at stacey@radiantwriting.com.
Matrix Trade Institute’s Efficiency Bootcamps Help Collision Repair Industry Grow and Retain Employees Many say one of the most alarming issues in the collision industry right now and in the foreseeable future is the desperate need for technicians. The industry is losing techs to retirement, and competition for tradespeople is at an all-time high. While the need to recruit thousands of techs into the industry isn’t going away anytime soon, the need for a disruptive retention model is even more important, according to Dustin Peugeot, CEO of the Matrix Trade Institute (MTI) located in Beachwood, OH. “We need thousands and thousands of them over the next 10 years, but the current model shows that over two-thirds of people who graduate from a post-secondary school defect from the industry in less than a year,” said Peugeot. “If the industry can’t find better ways to retain and grow technicians, then
worrying about recruiting them is wasted energy.” Peugeot said retention is where MTI is making a difference by offering four-day, 30-hour, 80% handson Efficiency Bootcamps to employers so they can provide employees with specific skills and efficiencies to accelerate their growth. “MTI’s Efficiency Bootcamps are a core part of our program and what makes us truly unique from any other school,” said Peugeot. “This business-to-business offering was designed to help shops upskill and retain employees efficiently and cost effectively.” Employers provide their technicians with MTI’s self-assessment, which allows workers to feel valued and play a role in their own career development. “When the technician’s goals and desire for growth meets the
EMPIRE AUTO PARTS
Spend more time running your business and less time worrying about your parts.
www.empireap.com
shop’s need to increase capacity and retain valuable employees, then MTI is the connection point,” he
MTI instructor Jim Schnitz teaches proper mapping in MTI’s Blueprint/Technical Estimating Bootcamp. Participants included Kelly Henry from Classic/DCR Systems, Christopher Lutz from Rutherford Autobody and Mitchell Rife from CollisionRight’s Rife’s Autobody (with pen)
said. “Matrix bootcamps provide an experience that shops can’t offer in addition to a return on investment (ROI) that pays short- and long-term dividends.” Over the years, Peugeot has found more and more shops are recognizing retention must be prioritized over recruiting to ensure the next generation stays in the industry and with the companies who hire them. “This industry doesn’t just have a recruiting problem; it has a retention problem,” said Peugeot. “Retention is different today than it used to be… you have to have a better offering with a better path and execution, and it has to be fulfilling and meaningful for employees. There’s too much competition to be able to afford not getting it right.” With people defecting from the industry for jobs with companies
• Competitive Prices and Competitive Prices and Dedicated Wholesale Staff! Kia of Attleboro Discounts Discounts Always Always Find all your Genuine Kia Parts With Us
508.761.9300 PARTS
• Dedicated Wholesale Staff Free Dailyto Delivery • Fast, Free Fast, Daily Delivery MA & RI Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm
to MA and RI
508.761.0768 Fax 795 Newport Ave. South Attleboro, MA 02703
Lamps
Bumper Covers
Radiators
Hoods & Fenders
fmedeiros@kiaofattleboro.com www.kiaofattleboro.com M W 8am-8pm fmedeiros@kiaofattleboro.com TU TH F 8am-5pm www.kiaofattleboro.com Find all your Genuine Kia Parts With Us
Kia of Attleboro
PARTS 508-761-9300
FAX 508-761-0768
795 Newport Ave. • South Attleboro, MA 02703
Door Mirrors
Steel Bumpers
NJ DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Cooling Fans
Grilles & Bezels
MA DISTRIBUTION CENTER
800.624.4561
888.366.5155
NC DISTRIBUTION CENTER
MD DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Serving CT, DE, MA, NJ, NY, PA, VT
800.318.5030 Serving GA, NC, SC, VA
Courtesy Mitsubishi PARTS 508-761-9700 FAX 508-761-4285 16 Scott St. • South Attleboro, MA 02703
SAT 8am-4pm
Parts Hours
M, W 8am-8pm TU, TH, F 8am-5pm SAT 8am-4pm
Genuine OEM Parts for the Perfect Fit Every Time Find all your On-line Mitsubishi Parts With Us
Serving ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
888.700.8074
www.drivecourtesy.com wbrown@courtesy-mitsu.com
Serving DC, DE, MD, NC, PA, VA, WV
Parts Accuracy
Quality Assurance
Friendly Sales Team
Fast, Free Delivery
42 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Parts Specialist: sean@mitsubishima.com
Committed to Excellence! Find all your Genuine Mitsubishi Parts With Us
Parts Hours
M-F 8am-5pm SAT 8:30am-2pm
