International. Supply of automotive technicians inbound from postsecondary programs fell 11.8% last year, according to the 2022 Transportation Technician Supply and Demand Report
The supply of new technicians from automotive postsecondary education programs in the U.S. declined 11.8%, to 28,866, in 2021, amplifying the current and projected shortage of professionals needed to service the country's automotive fleet, according to the TechForce Foundation's 2022 Transportation Technician Supply and Demand Report.
The program's graduate supply fell 2.6% and 0.4%, respectively, in the collision repair and diesel segments, but has fallen a combined 17% over the past five years.
The worsening landscape for technician supply, with a drop in completed careers from 48,208 in 2020 to 44,052 in 2021, dwarfs a strong year-over-year rebound in technician employment in the automotive (+4.2%) and diesel (+6.5%) segments.
However, total employment of collision repair technicians fell 0.7%, continuing a six-year decline.
TechForce estimates that demand for new auto/diesel/collision repair technicians (for new positions, replacement for occupational separations, and vacancies from previous years) will reach 232,000 by 2022 and a total of more than 900,000 through 2026.
For the first time, the annual report also includes labor data for the U.S. aviation industry, which currently employs more than 150,000 technicians who maintain and repair aviation equipment and systems.
TechForce projects that nearly 78,000 new incoming technicians will be needed to fill these roles between 2022 and 2026.
"This year's report highlights not only the challenges we face in attracting, training and retaining technicians, but also the limitless opportunities for talented young people to build successful and rewarding careers in one of the world's most dynamic and technology-intensive industries," said TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher.
"The solution to this crisis lies with industry, nonprofits, education and government partners working together to generate awareness, curiosity and interest in these careers among our youth," Maher said.
TechForce helps lead this industry-wide effort by inspiring people to explore the technician profession, supporting students to get the technical education needed to be prepared for the workforce, and connecting technicians with resources, mentors, and employers to thrive in their careers.
The Foundation has awarded more than $17 million in scholarships and grants and has engaged and impacted more than 40,000 students.
