With a shortage of thousands of auto technicians, GM is looking to shine a spotlight on the field by recognizing its top young professionals.
To do so, the automaker has launched its 30 Under 30 program to celebrate its top young technicians and is taking nominations through the end of October.
Driving the news: By NADA estimates, the industry runs at an annual deficit of 37,000 trained service technicians.
The shortage impacts dealers looking to increase profits in the service drive and retain customers.
Cox Automotive points out that service drive and parts revenue is up 33% since 2018.
“Our vehicles are becoming more and more increasingly complex. And the industry is really challenged with a shortage right now of qualified technicians,” Andrew McKittrick, GM Director of Dealer Service and Warranty Operations, told CDG News.
“The technicians are the heartbeat of the vehicle. Without technicians, we cannot care for our customers properly. It slows down the ability for us to do repairs.”
Andrew McKittrick
GM Director of Dealer Service and Warranty Operations
Shining a spotlight: The 30 Under 30 program aims to help address the shortage by recognizing top technicians under 30 who stand out for customer service, leadership, and ongoing training.
The honorees will be ambassadors who bring awareness about the career opportunities as an automotive technician.
“We are looking to grow our technician count year-over-year to make sure that we meet the demand of the market,” McKittrick said. “We need to continue to recruit across the board, and many OEMs are challenged with the same thing.”
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Nominations open: Nominations opened last month, and the deadline is Oct. 30.
The honorees will be revealed in January 2027 in Detroit.
Along with the recognition, the selected 30 technicians will receive tools, personal AI glasses, and a service jacket.
“We have our mark of excellence program, which is also there to highlight our technicians and also recognize them for their great contributions,” McKittrick said. “But this sheds that spotlight on celebrating that younger generation. And I think a lot of our dealers and some of the feedback we've received has been a lot of excitement and energy around this.”
Bottom line: GM is hoping this latest initiative helps recruit additional technicians along with its other programs:
General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program prepares students to become techs in a two-year, college-based training that includes paid dealership apprenticeships.
Shifting Gears Automotive Technical Training Program is a 12-week training to help military vets transition into tech roles prior to their discharge date.
“It goes back to this is part of the greater ecosystem within GM and part of our workforce development,” McKittrick said.
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