Ford's CEO Expresses Frustration Over Inability to Fill 5,000 Mechanic Positions with Salaries of $120,000 | Carscoops

      Jim Farley acknowledges that dealerships are struggling to find sufficiently skilled mechanics, warning of a nationwide labor shortage that jeopardizes auto repairs and essential industries.

      Ford's CEO revealed that there are currently 5,000 job vacancies for technicians, despite annual salaries reaching up to $120,000.

      Farley indicated that this issue is part of a more extensive problem with significant consequences.

      With 134 recalls and more continuing, Ford service centers are experiencing a high volume of activity. Given the current demand, it’s not surprising that some individuals are reluctant to work for Ford.

      This situation frustrates CEO Jim Farley, who expressed his concerns during the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast. In a broad discussion, he mentioned the 5,000 available mechanic positions.

      Although this is a considerable number of openings, dealerships are facing difficulties filling them, even with salaries nearing $120,000 per year, which is almost double the national average salary of $63,795.

      While the compensation is attractive, the nature of the work is challenging. Farley highlighted that it requires five years of training, noting that removing a diesel engine from a Super Duty pickup demands a high level of expertise and "you need to know what you’re doing."

      Farley emphasized that the shortage of essential workers is a significant issue that isn't receiving enough attention. He pointed out that the concern extends beyond dealership technicians, with “over a million positions available in critical fields such as emergency services, trucking, factory jobs, plumbing, electrical work, and other trades.”

      Furthermore, he remarked that there is a lack of trade schools and insufficient investment in the upcoming generation. He cautioned, “God forbid we find ourselves in a war, because Google won’t be able to produce the planes and tanks we require.”

      According to the New York Post, there is an annual shortfall of approximately 37,000 qualified technicians, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an average of 67,800 job openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year through 2033. This number is substantial, and these positions are likely to remain secure from the anticipated disruptions of artificial intelligence across various sectors.

      The shortage of technicians is already creating challenges, leading to slower repair times and dissatisfied customers. Recently, my own vehicle was held at a Jeep dealership for weeks as they seemed to be shifting technicians between different locations due to a lack of staff.