Firing vs Training Auto Technicians | Today's Class

You’ve got a technician who just isn’t cutting it. They’re making mistakes, customers are complaining, and other team members are picking up the slack. Now, you’re faced with a tough question: do you invest in training auto technicians to bring them up to speed, or is it time to let them go?

This blog will show you how to weigh the costs so you can make the right call for your shop when it comes to firing auto technicians or investing in their development.

Table of Contents

• Evaluating Technician Performance
• Determining the Root Cause of Underperformance
• When Training Is the Right Decision
• When It’s Time to Let Go
• Implementing a Proactive Approach
  • Steps to Build a Proactive Approach
• Making The Right Call

Evaluating Technician Performance

It’s easy to jump to conclusions when someone isn’t meeting expectations, but rushing into a decision without a clear understanding of the problem can be costly. A structured evaluation will help you separate minor issues from major ones, and ensure you’re making the best choice for your shop.

Use the following chart to evaluate different aspects of their performance:

Breaking down performance like this allows you to see whether training auto technicians will help bridge their gaps or if deeper issues are at play. If multiple areas show consistent weaknesses, it may be time to explore further interventions.

Read More: 5 KPIs for Assessing Technician Performance 

Determining the Root Cause of Underperformance

Once you’ve assessed their performance, dig deeper to understand why they’re struggling. Not all performance issues are due to a lack of skill—sometimes, external factors or workplace dynamics are at play. 

Consider these common causes:

• Lack of Technical Knowledge or Gaps in Training: If a technician lacks experience with newer vehicle models, diagnostic tools, or repair procedures, targeted programs for training auto technicians can help them catch up.
• Poor Work Ethic vs. Lack of Motivation: Some technicians may underperform because they lack a strong work ethic, while others may simply be disengaged due to frustration or a lack of career growth opportunities. Understanding the difference is key.
• Personal Issues Affecting Job Performance: Life outside of work can have a major impact. Stress, family problems, or health concerns might be contributing to their struggles.
• Workplace Culture and Management Challenges: If multiple technicians are struggling, the issue may be larger than just them. Unclear expectations or a lack of support can contribute to underperformance. Addressing these issues can sometimes be more effective than firing auto technicians outright.

Related Blog: Signs Your Auto Technicians are Burnt Out

When Training Auto Technicians Is the Right Decision

Sometimes, investing in training auto technicians is the better long-term move. If any of these apply to your technician, it’s worth putting in the effort to help them grow:

• They Have Potential – Maybe they struggle with certain tasks but show promise—targeted learning can help bridge those gaps. Instead of replacing them, investing in their development could change a lot for the better.
• Their Mistakes Are Fixable – Small mistakes and knowledge gaps can usually be corrected with the right support. 
• They Actually Want to Improve – If they’re asking for feedback, seeking training opportunities, and putting in effort to get better, that’s a strong sign they’re worth investing in. Technicians who take initiative tend to become valuable assets to the shop.
• They Fit In With the Team – Technical skills can be taught, but attitude and work ethic are much harder to change. If a technician meshes well with the team, aligns with your shop’s values, and shows a willingness to adapt, training auto technicians instead of replacing them is often the smarter choice.

Training auto technicians works best when it’s structured, goal-driven, and fits into their daily workflow. A platform like Today’s Class makes it easier for technicians to build their skills without disrupting shop productivity. Pairing structured learning with mentorship and hands-on training can turn a struggling tech into a valuable, long-term team member.

When It’s Time to Let Go: Firing Auto Technicians

While training auto technicians can solve many issues, there are times when it’s clear that an employee is not a good fit. If you notice these red flags, termination may be the best option:

• Repeated Mistakes: If the technician continues to make the same errors despite retraining, they may not be capable of improving. Persistent mistakes can affect shop efficiency and lead to customer dissatisfaction. If you’ve given multiple chances and the same issues persist, it’s time to consider moving on.
• No Desire to Improve: A technician who resists feedback, avoids training, or refuses to change bad habits will only hold the shop back. If they show no interest in learning, it’s unlikely they will suddenly turn things around. A lack of motivation can be contagious, bringing down the morale of the entire team.
• Negative Impact on Team Morale: If their behavior is causing frustration among other employees, it can create a toxic work environment. One bad attitude can lower overall team morale and productivity. If other technicians are struggling due to their negativity, keeping them on board could be more harmful than beneficial.
• Harming Business Reputation: If their work leads to customer complaints or lost business, it’s time to move on. Your shop’s reputation is built on reliability and quality service—if a technician is putting that at risk, it’s best to let them go. Negative customer experiences can lead to lost revenue and damage your shop’s credibility in the long run.

It’s never easy to fire an employee, but keeping the wrong person on board can be more damaging in the long run. When performance issues persist despite interventions, firing auto technicians may be the best course of action for the overall health of your business.

Implementing a Proactive Approach

The best way to avoid reaching the point of deciding whether to fire or train a technician is to have a proactive strategy in place. Being proactive means not only providing training but also setting clear expectations, tracking performance, and fostering a culture of growth. This approach helps technicians develop their skills continuously, reducing the risk of underperformance in the first place.

Steps to Build a Proactive Approach:

• Structured Training Programs: Using training platforms like Today’s Class ensures your technicians receive consistent, relevant training that keeps their skills sharp. This helps prevent performance issues before they become major problems.
• Performance Benchmarks: Set clear expectations from day one. Regularly track progress and provide feedback so technicians understand what’s required to succeed in your shop. Clear goals help eliminate confusion and provide measurable standards for success.
• Coaching Culture: Encourage supervisors and senior technicians to take a mentorship role. When employees feel supported rather than just managed, they’re more likely to improve and take pride in their work. 
• Incentives for Skill Development: Recognize and reward technicians who take the initiative to expand their knowledge. Whether it’s bonuses, promotions, or public recognition, incentives encourage continued learning and improvement.
• Regular Check-Ins: Instead of waiting for a performance review, have periodic check-ins to discuss challenges, areas for growth, and ongoing training opportunities. These check-ins show that you’re invested in their success and provide a chance to address potential issues before they escalate.

Making The Right Call 

Deciding whether to fire or train a technician isn’t an easy call, but taking a structured approach can help you make the right choice for your shop. If they’ve got potential, a willingness to improve, and fit well with the team, investing in training auto technicians can pay off in the long run. But if they’re resistant to feedback, making the same mistakes over and over, or bringing the team down, it might be time to let them go.

If you’re looking for an easier way to train auto technicians without disrupting shop productivity, Today’s Class can help. Our training platform keeps technicians learning while they work, helping them improve skills and confidence without slowing things down. Reach out to Today’s Class today to see how we can help your shop build a stronger, more skilled team.