I would like to introduce you to Matt Armstrong, an Automotive Service Technician from Sussex Corner New Brunswick. I have asked Matt to share ideas and thoughts from his perspective so the industry can realize that many Technicians today are extremely talented and enlightening.
Old world ways over new, new world ways over old, the debate is as ancient as trained skills themselves. No skill or trade is safe from this power struggle and it seems to find its niche in the automotive world.
Younger Technicians find themselves more in the middle of this battle then most others being tempted from both sides; the old world offering neat tricks,skills and legendary stories that seem more fitting around a camp fire then a tool box. The new world flexing its technical might with information and terminology similar to those used by the scientific community and seem out of place at your corner service station.
The truth is both of these worlds come together to make the job description of the modern Automotive Service Technician and both need to be embraced, honouring the old and welcoming the new. I've lived this struggle in my years as a Tech and I am reminded of this daily. The big picture isn't always as easy to see as one would think, like the saying goes "can't see the forest for the trees".
You find this in your routine as you work in an Independent shop,the leash a little slacker than in the dealership world and you can taylor your work and career more towards what you think it should be. This, however, is a slippery slope. If you concentrate too much on one world the other slips away. As an individual I somewhat live in the past;I have a strong interest in older automotive culture and strongly support antique car enthusiasts, however as a Technician and career man I realize that money comes from new vehicles and service work.
I love older car culture but I know in my heart of hearts their isn't going to be too many Flatheads or Nail heads pulling into my bay to have the dwell set. Importance, in the modern bay, is placed on service work, fluids and filters need to be changed and inspections need to be performed in order to run a successful independent automotive service establishment.
Older technicians pass on to the next generation experience and information that can only be gained through the earning of stripes,doing the dirty work for years that create this sixth sense of mechanical intuition. New age training and modern complicated machines being imported from Asia, South America, North America and Europe are creating this united nations of materials and vehicle to be worked on. One finds themselves struggling to stay current against a relentless wave of new technology, trying to stay positive and absorb all the training they can find; suddenly their isn't much time for Grandpa Mechanic and the ways of old are pushed aside.
Through Understanding and appreciating of both worlds of the industry the modern young tech will become familiar with today's vehicles and be efficient in performing repairs while still having that old school touch when it comes to customer service and understanding of clientele.
The creation of an Automotive Service Technician in this ever changing world of vehicles can at times be difficult laced with pitfalls and baptismal fires. The modern Technician is faced with many challenges, everything from keeping themselves trained to supplying their tools to learning how to deal with customers. The only way these Technicians become who and what they need to be is by becoming the mechanics of the past and transforming into the technicians of the future. To all the young technicians out there I say only this,know where your going and remember where you came from. The result will be a long prosperous career with many great memories and highlights to look back at. Years down the road when your one of those old school mechanics you will be able to reminisce about your days as a highly trained high tech technician.
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