Why Qualified Repair Technicians are More Important Than Ever  

With communication degrees and tech certifications seeing an all-time boom throughout the 2000s, there has been a significant talent gap in skilled trades for various reasons. 

The decline in trade jobs started in the 1950s and sixties, and by the 1990s, there was a substantial shift to service-based economies. Many corporations have decided to neglect human touch and increase the use of robots and digitalization. Because of this shift, the manufacturing industry has struggled to find qualified technicians, and they are feeling the consequences of the skilled labor shortage.    

Many qualified techs are heading towards retirement, and there’s been trouble finding replacements due to misconceptions of the industry: that there’s no room for advancement or that these jobs were societally deemed as “unskilled labor.” The impact of this is immense, as there’s reduced productivity in the workplace, and companies must incur increased costs to retain their qualified workers.  

Robots and AI have been tremendously helpful in increasing efficiency and improving safety, however even the most sophisticated machines require human intervention for troubleshooting, diagnostics, and complex repairs. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are needed to identify and resolve unexpected issues that computers are not equipped to handle. Skilled technicians are essential for conducting regular maintenance and preventative care to ensure optimal machine performance and longevity and minimize downtime.  

Tradespeople are often innovators who adapt to new technologies and contribute to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. Highlighting the value and rewarding nature of skilled trade careers in education throughout young adulthood can encourage students to pursue these jobs. Once that interest sparks, educational institutions can work on developing relevant training programs to lead them on their journey. Promoting benefits such as avoiding soaring student loans, increased financial stability, and life-long benefits can incentivize those who are interested.  

We recognize the invaluable contributions of skilled technicians in driving manufacturing success, and we’re proud to have many of the best on our repair site. Explore career opportunities and join our team by visiting our career page!