According to the 2004 "How's Your Business?" survey, a little less than half of mechanical shops experienced movement among their technicians, and it wasn't all bad.

Thirty-seven percent of mechanical shops promoted 1.5 technicians. Forty-six percent of mechanical shops had 1.6 technicians leave and 51 percent hired 1.6 technicians. Numberwise, it's a wash. Trainingwise, there's something to look at.

In the same survey, owners were asked who paid for training, how much it cost, and if the technicians attended during the workday. Results showed that 78 percent of employers paid $1,200 for 31 hours of experienced technician training and $1,412 for 31 hours of manager training.

Seventy-five percent of mechanical facility owners allowed the technicians to attend training during the workday. And almost all (87 percent) paid the techs while they were there.

So, moneywise, shifting technicians cost mechanical shops nearly $7,000 annually - if you consider training and training day compensation. Although there is a cost, the benefits of training far outweigh the dollars spent.

If you want to research this topic further and are interested in education and training articles, please visit ASA's Information Center in the Members Only area of the ASA Web site, www.asashop.org.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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