Fleet Maintenance: In Wake of Silver Tsunami, Shops Must Turn to New Training Technology

This is an excerpt from an article that first appeared on Fleet Maintenance.

GRAPEVINE, TX, May 15, 2024 – The impending “Silver Tsunami” of baby boomers reaching retire age is inordinately affecting the technician sector. The Department of Labor anticipates the need to train nearly 100,000 automotive and diesel mechanics each year for the next decade. The upskilling of new recruits from younger generations necessitates the implementation of innovative training methods immediately.

As nearly 7% of the workforce is expected to retire in the next two years, companies are turning to extended reality (XR) training and 3D instructions to engage new technicians effectively. The shift towards immersive training solutions is crucial as traditional methods prove inadequate for the upskilling and cross-skilling of younger technicians. Better technology is attractive to younger generations and an effective tool for recruiting and retaining workers, especially amidst the influx of complex vehicle technology.

BILT caters to the learning needs of both current and future technicians. Their spatial computing app on Apple Vision Pro gives trainees access to interactive, customizable guides, animations, and specifications digitally overlaid in real space to enhance the learning experience and job proficiency.

BILT’s mobile app is ideal for field operations where untethered guidance is more appropriate and technicians want to access instructions via phone or tablets. By leveraging immersive training tools tailored to industry needs, companies can effectively address technician turnover and ensure a skilled workforce for the future.

Access the full article on Fleet Maintenance.

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“In collaborating with BILT, Clearfield is providing our customers a new installation and training solution that will provide the technicians a tool to speed up installations and minimize errors."

Kelly WeissmannDirector of Technical Training & Field Support, Clearfield

"[BILT] really demystifies our assembly and installation processes to gain efficiency, reduce labor time, and get off the job site faster."

David QuatelaMarketing Manager, Siemens

“BILT is like having an on-site trainer for products that technicians may not install frequently.”

Rodger SchmidtTechnical Trainer, ASSA ABLOY

“Using the BILT app helps our tech service group help our customers, showing them how easy it is to install these products…It’s also awesome for our training group… and our sales reps.”

Michael WebbGeneral Manager, Emtek, Schaub, HES

“BILT makes us more efficient because the easy instructions help my crew know what to expect from every job. They get the right materials in the right order and there’s less going back and forth. BILT helps us get the job done faster.”

Sue NiggProject Manager, Chandler Inc.

"BILT saves hours, not minutes... it’s putting money in your pocket."

Jeremy KliniskeProject Manager, Signature Retail Services

“The ability to utilize 3D interactive instructions and zoom in, zoom out and rotate the view provides reassurance that you have installed a product correctly. This leads to fewer operating problems…and fewer callbacks.”

Jeffrey GranathGeneral Manager, Sargent Manufacturing

"Half a day's work can be done in half an hour."

Alec PerkinsElectrician, Commonwealth Electric