ToolKit

What is the current rate for minimum wage? What are competitive dealership and fleet shops paying? What are retail establishments like a local hardware store or fast food restaurant paying?

Consider that graduates of automotive technician programs have invested 1-2 years and a significant amount of money, so the starting salary they expect to receive should be well above minimum wage. Minimum wage could be appropriate pay for co-op students or interns who are working for you while attending school.

In addition to a competitive salary, prospective employees are looking for a comprehensive benefits package. This includes a healthcare plan, vacation time, retirement benefits, life and disability insurance, regular appraisals and pay raises. Offering competitive pay and benefits will not only help you attract the best technicians, it will also help you retain them.

Tuition Reimbursement

Paying for school is one of the biggest challenges faced by students, so they appreciate and truly value an employer who is willing to help fund their education. They’re also more likely to be loyal and highly engaged in your business if tuition assistance is provided. You can go about this in several ways. Here are some suggestions:

Contribute to monthly student loans for a specified amount of time during their employment with you
Reimburse student loan payment on a yearly basis
Reward a tuition reimbursement flat amount based on performance reviews

It is wise to develop an agreement form to establish amount and timeline
Cut as a separate check or pay the school directly

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Tool Starter Kit or Tool Reimbursement

An appropriate set of tools requires a large investment. This can be a daunting task. Consider offering some form of financial assistance to help new technicians entering the field.

There are numerous ways to offer assistance:

Offer a set of tools as a sign-on incentive or after a specified amount of time that they are employed with you
Provide a starter set of tools and deduct a specified amount from their paycheck until it is paid off

Many suppliers provide tools at a discount while the student is still in school.

Relocation Assistance

Moving away from home is a big step- both emotionally and financially. Expenses add up quickly.

Offering to help pay for some of these costs is a great way to attract the top talent.

Examples of costs to reimburse are:

A specified portion or all of the moving expenses
House-hunting trips for employee and spouse
Temporary housing at new location