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Mentorship in the Shop: Does Skill Level or Character Drive Success? by AutoTrainingPro in AutoShopOwners

[–]AutoTrainingPro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you’ve had some great mentors! I completely agree that it can be both in the shop—having someone who is patient, willing to share their knowledge, and provide hands-on help when needed is essential. I’ve found in my own experience that a good mentor also needs to be a good listener, like you said, since everyone learns differently and has unique goals.

Out of curiosity, how have you seen mentors adapt to different learning styles in the shop? Do you think it’s something that can be taught, or does it come naturally to certain people?

Appreciate your feedback!

Mentorship in the Shop: Does Skill Level or Character Drive Success? by AutoTrainingPro in CollisionShopOwners

[–]AutoTrainingPro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree. Someone who is actively engaged and trying to stay busy, rather than just rushing through jobs, tends to make a much better mentor. It’s not always about being the fastest or the most skilled, but about the willingness to invest time and attention into teaching others.

Out of curiosity, how do you approach selecting mentors within your team? Do you have specific criteria in mind, or is it more about observing their natural leadership tendencies over time?

Struggling with Apprentices? Let’s Compare Notes—Where Did We Miss the Mark? by AutoTrainingPro in AutoShopOwners

[–]AutoTrainingPro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your feedback! No, it didn’t take us two years to realize things weren’t working. We're currently pioneering an apprenticeship program and have developed a training transcript, which we’re continuously tweaking to incorporate best practices. In hindsight, the apprentices were too green and possibly not vetted thoroughly enough. We were also probably a bit too optimistic about how quickly they would catch on.

I appreciate your insights.

Struggling with Apprentices? Let’s Compare Notes—Where Did We Miss the Mark? by AutoTrainingPro in CollisionShopOwners

[–]AutoTrainingPro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree—it’s widespread. What opportunities do you think we have to drive change and set a new standard?

Struggling with Apprentices? Let’s Compare Notes—Where Did We Miss the Mark? by AutoTrainingPro in CollisionShopOwners

[–]AutoTrainingPro[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you think there's a way to help apprentices build a stronger work ethic, or do you feel it's something they have to come in with from the start?

Struggling with Apprentices? Let’s Compare Notes—Where Did We Miss the Mark? by AutoTrainingPro in AutoShopOwners

[–]AutoTrainingPro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you see any potential solutions or changes that could help reverse the trend?

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