Meet Angel Deleon, a rookie technician in Houston, Texas. Angel shares his thoughts about his career in the automotive industry so far, and what support he is looking for as a young technician.
Motor Age is partnering with TechForce Foundation to share profiles and perspectives of young automotive technicians who are in the early days of their careers.
What are the key challenges you've faced as a technician, and how can the industry better support techs?
I had a hard time getting the right tools for school and work. It’s a challenge to avoid expensive purchases and, at the same time, ensure the tools I do have will last me a good long while. A lot of new technicians face this problem. The industry should stop gatekeeping and help the younger generation more.
Read what other young technicians think the automotive industry needs in this series:
In your opinion, what does the industry need to do to prepare for the future and keep up with evolving technologies?
Practice what is preached. More safety devices should be available in shops. Too many people are doing things because they have always done them. It needs to be mentioned over and over that change is OK, not weird or a horrible thing to happen.
What advice would you give to employers to create a more supportive environment for all technicians?
Help us learn. As an employer, you should have a lesson or project for your techs every day. Even a small lesson can help a developing fresh mind in the industry.
Who has been influential in your journey as a tech?
My father-in-law has been very helpful. As a master mechanic, he has given me tips and even helped me start my small tool set.
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