04/03/2026
At Mad Hatter Garage, we’re actively looking for a Performance Automotive Technician/Mechanic. Right now, we need dependable techs who have real hands-on experience, can consistently produce quality work, and can be trusted to diagnose and repair customers’ vehicles correctly the first time.
LTJ Manufacturing is also looking for a Shop/Machinist Assistant. This position has a lot of growth potential, especially for someone interested in moving into CNC machining of high-end billet automotive products.
https://www.indeed.com/job/shopmachinist-assistant-8a508085a56db89a
The automotive industry is facing a very real challenge right now. For years, many young people who would have excelled in skilled trades were encouraged toward college and office-based careers instead of vocational programs and technical training. As a result, we’re now seeing a shortage of qualified technicians entering the field.
Modern vehicles are far more advanced than they used to be. They require diagnostic ability, technical knowledge, procedures, and skill sets that go far beyond basic mechanical work. This is no longer an industry you simply “figure out as you go” — it takes training, experience, and constant learning.
While headlines talk about unemployment and job loss, skilled trades like automotive repair continue to struggle to find qualified people. Shops everywhere are competing for a limited number of experienced technicians, and that pressure will continue to affect labor rates and repair costs across the industry.
The reality is simple: demand is high, qualified technicians are limited, and this challenge will likely get worse before it improves.
That said — we’re hiring. Pay reflects ability and experience. At this time, because of current workload, we need people who can step in and contribute immediately, as starting from the ground up with on-the-job training is not something we can currently support.
Shoutout to Greg's Tuning Operation for helping bring attention to this industry-wide issue and for the original post that inspired this one.
