Our Economy Runs on Technicians – So Why Are We Running Out?

In today’s fast-paced world, transportation technology is the backbone that keeps our economy moving, ensuring the seamless flow of goods, services and people. Skilled technicians are essential to maintaining the personal vehicles, commercial fleets and aircraft that Americans rely upon. And yet, the United States faces a looming crisis: a significant shortage of transportation technicians that threatens to disrupt this vital infrastructure.

Going into 2025, the transportation industry was slated to require an estimated 1 million new-entry technicians across the automotive, collision, diesel and aviation sectors over the next five years. This demand stems from both the growth of these industries and the need to replace retiring workers. Rising prices from tariffs and inflation are also prompting consumers and businesses to keep vehicles longer, further driving the need for more frequent maintenance and repairs. Yet, vocational programs are currently producing just over 60,000 technicians annually, leading to a shortfall of at least 120,000 skilled professionals each year.

If this gap remains unaddressed, the repercussions will be widespread. Consumers may experience longer wait times for vehicle repairs, businesses could face delays in deliveries due to trucks being out of service, and the aviation industry may struggle with maintenance backlogs, impacting flight schedules and safety. This shortage isn’t merely about fixing vehicles – it’s about sustaining the infrastructure that powers our economy and daily lives.

But there’s an opportunity here, as well. These “new collar” careers – high-demand and tech-heavy positions that don’t require a four-year degree and the debt that accompanies it –- offer outstanding placement rates, job stability, competitive salaries and high job satisfaction. With certification programs taking just 10 months to two years, individuals who enjoy hands-on, technology-driven work will quickly find fulfillment. At a time when securing a job can be challenging and layoffs are mounting, these positions are in high demand.

The latest Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report from TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit working to guide individuals to and through their technician career, offers a comprehensive analysis of this issue. The Report shows growing interest in the trades, with a 2.8% increase in employment across transportation technician sectors, outpacing the overall U.S. labor force growth of 2%. However, job openings still outpace workforce growth by a rate of 4-to-1. In particular, the diesel sector has seen slower growth, averaging just 1.04% over the past five years.

TechForce provides interested individuals – ranging from middle schoolers to veterans and laid-off federal workers – career exploration opportunities; connections with accredited schools; scholarships and grants (more than $24 million to date) to reduce financial barriers; and a network to place students into apprenticeships and, eventually, jobs. Our goal isn’t simply to fill these positions but to elevate the role of technicians in our society, recognizing them as essential contributors to our economic stability.

At TechForce we‘ve heard countless inspiring stories from the individuals stepping into technician careers. Among them is William Jackson III, a recent TechForce scholarship recipient who is turning his passion for cars into a profession. “I’ve always loved problem-solving and helping people. Being a technician lets me do both.” William says that the scholarship he received doesn’t just help with tuition, “it validates that I belong in this field.”

While we’re proud of the contributions TechForce is making to addressing this critical issue, solving it requires the participation of several key stakeholders:

Educators and Guidance Counselors: Offer students information about transportation trades and the benefits of these careers. Invite guest speakers to your school to provide a realistic glimpse into these careers and demonstrate the advanced technology used today.

Parents: Recognize and support the value of trade careers, understanding that they offer stable employment, competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.

Corporations: Invest in workforce development initiatives, such as scholarships, offer apprenticeships and collaborate with educational institutions to align training programs with industry needs.

Small businesses: Engage in mentorship programs, provide hands-on training opportunities and conduct community outreach to attract new talent.

Government entities: Advocate for policies that promote technical education, provide funding for vocational programs and create incentives for individuals pursuing careers in the transportation sector.

As technology continues to evolve and infrastructure ages, transportation technicians are the professionals who will keep our country running. It’s time we stop viewing these and other “new collar” positions as back-up careers and start recognizing them as essential to our American way of life. By collectively championing these roles and the individuals who fill them, we can address the immediate shortage while paving the way for a stronger and more sustainable future.

Jennifer Maher is chief executive officer at TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. www.techforce.org