BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — As car owners face longer wait times at auto shops, the demand for skilled mechanics is becoming increasingly evident. The automotive repair industry, deemed essential during the pandemic, continues to grapple with a shortage of workers five years later.
“It’s been hard to find help,” said Jorge Suarez, a Bakersfield mechanic with over 30 years of auto repair experience, “there’s been times where I have to be by myself working in the office and working [on the cars],” he said.
John Pitre, CEO of Motor City, noted that the intricacy of modern vehicles has contributed to the closure of many small-business shops…