Sara, we finally hired a new tech, but I don’t have the time (or the patience) to let them learn by messing up customer jobs. How do I train them without slowing everything else down?
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First off, congrats! Hiring a tech right now is like spotting a Sasquatch. 🦶
Now the real question: how do you train them without losing your mind or ticking off your customers?
Here’s how we tackle it:
1. Start by figuring out where they’re starting from
Before you throw them at a broken unit and hope for the best, you’ve got to know what they actually can do. In our Dealer Success Group program, we use a tool that helps map out what your new tech already knows, and what they need to learn next.
Think of it like a GPS for tech growth. It gives you clarity, a training plan, and – bonus – it’s also how we recommend setting their hourly rate.
Because let’s be real: even if they told you in the interview they’re the “best tech you’ll ever meet,” there’s probably still some room to grow.
(We’ve seen that movie before.)
👉Get your hands on our free tech training plan here
2. Train in a way that makes you money
One of my favorite ways to train new techs is what we call a warranty promotion.
Here’s how it works:
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Pull a list of customers whose warranties expire in the next 6–12 months
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Offer them a free warranty inspection when they schedule basic maintenance
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Only market this to one make or model at a time
This strategy gives your new techs repeat reps on the same type of unit, so they get comfortable fast. It’s real-world, hands-on training, and it brings in revenue while they learn.
📚 We walk through how to run this step-by-step inside our Dealership Marketing Master Class. Want in? Click Here
3. Use the training you’re already paying for
Your manufacturers have put serious money into creating training content; don’t let it collect dust. Ask your rep for the top 5 beginner courses and build a quick-start curriculum. Keep it simple. Just enough to build momentum without overwhelming them.
4. Don’t forget process training
Technical skills are important, but shop processes matter just as much.
If you’ve got a service manager (which makes sense when you’ve got at least 3 techs hitting 85%+ recovery), it’s their job to train on things like:
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How to track time
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What to do when you’re halfway through the time on a job, but not halfway through the repair
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How work orders move through the shop
Bad habits form fast if you’re not intentional, so nail this early.
5. Bonus: Need help hiring techs in the first place?
Still thinking, “Yeah, cool… but I need a tech to train first,”?
We’ve got you.
Our hiring coaching team is basically magician-level when it comes to getting quality applicants in the door (no rabbits or hats required).
✨ Here’s all the tea on the program
Cheering for you!
Sara