YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN
This is the time of year we celebrate the graduating classes of 2019. College graduates are excited to start their new career or continue to pursue higher education. Some high school graduates will continue to college, others may be entering the workforce. However, there is a current trend to encourage students to enter the trade school.
Fort Madison is fortunate to have a dedicated building trades teacher, Clint Kobelt. He is teaching his students a valuable skill that can earn them a good living without having a large debt. His dedication shows with the awards received in State competition and SCC’s Skills Throwdown.
The automotive field is looking for those bright minds that find satisfaction in problem-solving and working with their hands. With the technician shortage across the U.S., both independent repair shops and dealerships are having a hard time meeting their customers’ demands.
One of the problems with the shortage is the way these technicians are treated when entering the workforce. Most are put in the lowest positions to “earn” their way up. Many are left on their own with no mentorship program from more experienced technicians.
Griffin Muffler & Brake Center understands the expense these students have with the tuition plus what it will cost to invest in the tools needed to perform their job. Griffin’s is committed to continuous education for all its employees. Every year the whole shop closes for three days so every employee can continue their education. The technicians enroll in advanced automotive diagnostics to stay up to date with the ever-changing technology. Our technicians are not only ASE certified but are qualified to work on Hybrids. The next new technology is Advanced Diver-Assistance Systems (A.D.A.S.). Griffin’s will be ready to service these vehicles.
Diedra Wixon, Service Advisor, is committed to her continuous education when she received her Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation from Automotive Management Institute (Ami) at a cap and gown graduation this past March during the Vision High Tech & Expo in Kansas City, KS. Diedra has enough credit hours (180) to receive her Accredited Master Automotive Management (AMAM) designation with a cap and gown graduation in Las Vegas at the SEMA show this November.
“Starting my first day at Griffin’s, it was incredibly overwhelming and scary. I knew very little about the automotive industry or repair shops”, said Diedra. “With each day of work, I have gained so much knowledge and confidence to perform my job. Our technicians have been invaluable in helping understand the mechanics of many vehicles. Along with the training and education I have completed, I am more confident and enjoy working in the industry”, Diedra continued, “I can say I’m always learning something new and it’s great! This reminds of a quote by an unknown author, “Sometimes we have to stop being scared and just go for it. Either it’ll work out or it won’t. That is life.”
As the owner of Griffin Muffler & Brake Center, continuous education has helped me grow to be a better manager to our employees in addition to striving to give our customers an exceptional experience. My husband and I received our AAM and AMAM designation in Orlando, FL May 2018 during the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) annual meeting. Walking across the stage wearing a cap and gown receiving our certificates is a moment we are proud of. My favorite quote is from Albert Einstein. “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
What does this all mean to you? Rest assured you are in good hands with Griffin’s ASE Certified technicians who have the knowledge and equipment to service your vehicle. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional service using quality parts at a reasonable price to keep you and your family safe on the road.