Higher Level Dealership Mechanic Training - Wayne Bridges on Wrench Turners Podcast

"Training isn't a cost; it's an investment that pays dividends in skills, loyalty, and productivity."

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Automotive Trainer & Technician

Toyota Of Puyallup Inc

Wayne Bridges

In this episode, I sat down with Wayne Bridges, a 50-year veteran of the automotive industry who’s worn many hats—technician, service advisor, service manager, instructor, and now dealership trainer. Wayne shares his incredible journey, from falling in love with cars as a kid to shaping the next generation of technicians at a dealership that’s committed to investing in its people.

Wayne doesn’t shy away from tough topics, like why training is often undervalued in the industry and how mentorship programs can reduce comebacks and increase productivity. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a thriving culture of learning and growth in a dealership, Wayne’s insights are gold.

Watch now and find out why building a training-focused dealership might be the best way to attract and retain top talent.

Let’s get into it.

j.

If you're interested in being on the show or would like to sponsor an episode, please reach out to me Joshua Taylor by DM or email [e-mail]

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:54 Wayne's Early Passion

06:11 The Importance of Early Experiences

09:04 Lessons from the Lube Rack

11:57 The Evolution of Automotive

14:54 The Shift to Electric Vehicles

18:07 The Role of Training

20:56 The Importance of Continuous Learning

23:50 The Future of Automotive Training

34:02 The Importance of Training

38:13 In-House Training Programs

42:39 Creating a Culture of Learning

49:12 Competing for Talent

54:52 Finding Passion

01:00:13 The Role of Mentorship

Takeaways

👉 The first year on the job is crucial

👉 Learning to overcome complacency is a key to growth

👉 Automotive is currently experiencing rapid advancements.

👉 Training is essential for technicians to stay relevant

👉 Employers should view training as an investment

👉 Mentorship can reignite passions

👉 Technicians should take initiative

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