Perceptions of Public and Private Sector Techs
More private sector technicians said they found out about their jobs through direct inquiry with the company (33%) than public fleet employees.
Personal referral ranked highest in terms of how technical staff heard about public fleet positions. In comparison, private sector technicians ranked direct company inquiry highest in terms of how they got their current jobs.
More public sector technicians said they would turn down a slightly higher income and stay at their current jobs than those who said they would leave.
Eighty-three percent of respondents said they enjoyed coming into work most or all of the time.
"Other" responses included: the challenge that a wide variety of vehicles provides, fleet respect within region, pace of work, knowing they’re making a difference, and hours. More than one response possible for this question.
"Other" includes pride of seeing work on the streets, quality of work, and working with limited means/outdated facilities. More than one response possible for this question.
About a quarter of respondents weren’t aware that government fleets employed technicians.
Public Sector Technician Survey: Technicians make up the majority of survey respondents.
Most respondents were technicians.
Similar to public sector survey respondents, alost half of private sector respondents said they had 30 or more years of experience.
Twenty-nine percent of those with ASE certification said they had 10 or more certifications.
Almost half of technicians surveyed said they had 30 or more years of experience. This includes both experience and technical education.
Many respondents said they previously worked at private shop or dealership before coming to the public sector, with only 2% reporting that they got the job straight out of school.
Of those who were ASE certified, 30% had 10 or more certifications
A significant number of technical staff (37% of respondents) said they plan to retire in 10 years or less.
Public sector fleet employees were divided on whether they had it better than private sector technicians.
Those who chose no said their reasons were: not enough pay, reduced benefits make it not as worthwhile as it was in the past, and too much politics.
Private Sector Technician Survey: More than half of survey respondents came from independent repair shops
Compensation is the main reason why technicians stay at their jobs in the private sector. In the public sector, compensation ranks third.
Most respondents thought government fleet technicians had it better than private sector technicians, getting more stability and benefits, better tools, and better retirement benefits.
"Other" includes management listening to technicians, better shop equipment, training for veteran employees, and pay for certifications. More than one response possible for this question.