Marinucci: Advisory committees seek pros' feedback

Automotive professionals who join advisory committees serve their own interests as well as those of the industry at large.

An advisory committee's guidance helps vocational schools groom graduates with the expertise that auto repair businesses require today. Ongoing feedback from working pros helps school personnel focus on curricula that develops these skills.

For example, industry input tells automotive teachers about the shop equipment and test gear that their students need to operate competently. It details the sophisticated onboard systems graduates will be diagnosing.

In other words, feedback from the front lines of auto repair should — and does — prevent curricula from becoming outdated and impractical.

The net effect is higher-quality automotive programs that produce superior job candidates for all auto service businesses.

I will state the obvious for the benefit of shortsighted owners and managers: Increasing the quantity of great graduates improves the odds of finding capable new technicians for your tire dealership or service shop. Bosses who have trudged through the hiring process appreciate that it can be a daunting, time-consuming task.

A vocational school that produces employable young techs is welcome news for other reasons: Many schools are publicly funded, so it's gratifying to see tax dollars generating tangible, positive results.

What's more, every case history of a successful hire boosts the overall image of the auto service industry. Successful job placements remind consumers that the industry is a viable choice for students who want to learn a skilled trade.

A more positive industry image also helps persuade high school guidance counselors to take auto service careers more seriously than they previously had. Instead of a dumping ground for lousy students, the industry is a legitimate destination for kids having capable hands and curious minds.

Conversely, unsuccessful job placement not only damages the school's reputation, it could impair additional funding for the automotive program. Ultimately, poor job placement could prompt the school to cancel the program.

Regular readers may recall that I began reporting on the auto service industry in 1976. During my travels as a reporter and instructor, I have heard numerous complaints about the employability of vocational school graduates.

Bosses and veteran techs have vented about younger techs who were not properly prepared for real-world auto repair. Regardless of the geographic region where I have heard these comments, the criticisms followed strikingly similar scripts.

For example, experienced pros said new recruits lacked adequate training in electrical troubleshooting and driveability diagnosis. They wanted graduates who were more comfortable measuring electrical voltage and current than grinding valves and rebuilding engines.

These are valid concerns that should be directed to the vocation school leadership. All too often, however, I discovered that the critics had complained to everyone but the appropriate school personnel.

Equally disappointing is that many pros I met did not know what an advisory committee was. If they did know, they had never been involved with it.

Genuinely interested pros should provide detailed, constructive criticism to the vocational school in question. Stating your case as politely and professionally as possible improves the chances of a warm reception.

Some pros believe that ranting and raving gets the attention of vocational school personnel. Very likely, however, they already have heard enough screaming and insults.

Ranting — in person or in writing — usually makes the person look like just another hothead. But "hothead" does not create a winning first impression.

I recommend identifying the boss of the school's automotive training program. Introduce yourself and establish that you are a concerned owner, manager or tech.

Voice your concerns about the automotive program and then volunteer to join its advisory committee.

The boss of the program may carry a title such as department chair person, department head, program coordinator, program supervisor, etc. The school's website may provide this person's name and contact information. Calling the school for the information is another option.

Next, outline your topics in a brief letter to the department head. A thoughtfully composed letter, printed on your company letterhead, always looks more professional than a hastily scribbled note or frantic email. Don't hesitate to request a meeting, as well as a tour of the school's automotive department.

Treat this meeting like an important job interview: Groom yourself and wear nice clothes instead of a shop uniform – even a clean one. Pride in your personal appearance fosters a positive first impression.

Although department heads tend to be very busy executives, they usually welcome visits and personal feedback from industry pros. After all, businesses such as your repair shop, tire dealership or new-car dealership are the school's main customers.

What's more, department heads usually relish giving tours because they like showing off the programs they manage. A tour gives you the opportunity to meet teachers and inspect the facilities and equipment. Make mental notes of details that impress you as well as things that need improvement or replacement.

There's nothing like gathering this information firsthand.

Invite the department head and the instructors to schedule a visit to your business at a convenient time. If the visit seems to generate a positive "vibe," mention that your business could host an automotive student for an internship or some sort of work-study arrangement.

Remember to find out when and where the school's advisory committee meets.

Vocational schools usually welcome advisory committee participants with open arms. Sadly, some schools struggle to get regular and robust involvement from local auto repair pros.

The committee usually consists of a department head or program coordinator as well as instructors and industry participants. (Note that vocational schools certified by the ASE Education Foundation require advisory committee meetings.)

The meeting schedule varies from one automotive program to another. For example, some committees meet twice per year while others get together six times per year.

At some schools, the committee meeting is a luncheon affair spanning approximately 90 minutes. Other schools may have dinner meetings that run about two hours.

Advisory committee proceedings are important enough to be recorded in some way and then transcribed for posterity.

Your participation helps improve and maintain the quality of the automotive training program and it also constitutes an opportunity to network with like-minded industry pros who you might not encounter otherwise.

Another benefit is the professional relationships you establish with the program coordinator and its instructors. These are worthwhile alliances for any auto repair pro.

Finally, enhance your business' image by including your advisory committee work on your website and other promotions. Donating time for the betterment of a local vocational school is a very worthwhile — if often overlooked — public service.