Recruiting Company Vice President Speaks To NAFA's Ontario Chapter
Speaking to a packed house at NAFA's Ontario chapter meeting in early May, Maizis & Miller Vice President Ron Maizis addressed the looming wave of retirements that will see older generations of mechanics leave the profession en masse, and not nearly enough young mechanics to fill the void.
Automotive and business publications have all weighed in on the topic. The recent intensification of coverage has given a voice to what industry insiders – from agriculture and construction to transportation and auto repair – have been saying for years. It was in this shadow of mounting worry that Maizis delivered his message, entitled "The Coming Labor Tsunami."
One of the toughest tasks for these businesses is selling the mechanic trade. But as Maizis noted in his address, shop and fleet managers must play a role in creating an inviting, rewarding environment for the younger generations of mechanics, whose career expectations and outlook differ from those of older generations. Whereas baby-boomer and early Generation-X mechanics held little hope for quality of life outside the job, their younger colleagues expect a greater balance between work and private life.
By adjusting their approach accordingly with forward thinking, said Maizis, managers and employers can foster a more productive, efficient, and contented workforce. This, in turn, should help pique the interest of young men and women still contemplating their educational and career paths, while making the mechanic profession an easier sell for industry.
Maizis & Miller is a niche recruiter of diesel machinery professionals, including heavy equipment mechanics, fleet managers, and parts specialists.