For more than a few, the work repair technicians perform may be seen as magic. The truck ceases to operate as usual or quits functioning altogether. The truck goes into the shop with a problem, and in most cases comes back out working properly. How the technician knew what to fix is of little concern. The customer is simply glad the technician resolved the problem.
Perhaps even more telling, the customer expected that the truck’s problem would be corrected by the tech. With expectation, appreciation tends to be neglected.
Praise Isn’t the Point
Of course, technicians, like everyone else, enjoy being recognized for work done well. There is joy in hearing that the skills one uses make a difference. Nevertheless, those who decide to follow the path of becoming a truck technician do not do so in anticipation of receiving glowing accolades from customers.
If an aspiring technician’s hope in the truck service industry is praise, sorry to be the bearer of bad news: you picked the wrong profession.
The Itch to Know “How”
So, what drives individuals to enter the vehicle service profession? Where is the reward?
The work a technician performs is not magic. In truth, the technician will face many physical and mental demands that can be compensated with financial reward. However, few techs enter the industry believing a vast fortune and a life of leisure await.
Often, the journey to becoming a technician begins with an itch to know how a thing works. It is the scratching of the itch that results in understanding and satisfaction. In that metaphorical scratching, the technician develops and utilizes knowledge which translates to skills – not magic – to diagnose and repair vehicles.
From Toys to Trucks
What does the scratching of the itch look like from which the technician emerges?
In many instances, including my own, it started with wanting to know what was inside a toy that made the toy do things. Not surprisingly, this desire led to numerous disemboweled toys and, to my parents’ chagrin, household appliances. For those who discovered satisfaction in learning how the parts function together to perform an action, reassembling the item became the next goal.
For a technically minded individual, there is nothing quite like that first experience of putting something back together and having it work. What an amazing feeling! Then, the itch grows even stronger and the challenges more complex. The decision to become a technician evolves from those experiences and the realization that one could enjoy a good and rewarding life solving and repairing vehicles.
It’s Knowledge, Not Magic
Still, the technician knows there is no magic involved in diagnosing and repairing a truck. Knowledge and effort get the truck back on the road.
The wise technician learns early that one cannot know everything about every vehicle. The wise, and successful, technician learns how to learn. What does that mean? It means recognizing that there are many resources available – such as service information, tools and equipment, and other technicians – that can help solve problems.
It means being willing to study and set aside trial and error. It means recognizing that I am not alone on this technician journey, that there are many who appreciate and understand the joy and satisfaction in solving vehicle issues.
It is coming to know that others truly do appreciate the service I provide, even if that appreciation is infrequently shown. It is coming to see that, as a technician, my efforts may look like magic. But I know what it took to get here.
Join Us in Celebrating Repair Technicians Everywhere
This National Technician Appreciation Week, Mitchell 1 honors the hard-working professionals who keep vehicles — and lives — moving forward. Their dedication, skill, and resilience deserve more than a thank you.
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