Heard a shop manager say 'experience is overrated' and it got me thinking

I was at a parts counter in Phoenix last Tuesday and overheard this shop manager telling a young tech that he doesn't hire guys with 20 years of experience anymore. He said they're set in their ways and won't learn new diagnostic software or emissions systems. At first I was mad, but then I thought about it. I've seen guys who can rebuild a 12-valve Cummins blindfolded but freak out over a CAN bus code. The trade is changing fast, and sticking to old methods can cost you time and money. Has anyone else noticed older guys struggling with the new electronic stuff on these newer trucks?

2 comments

2 Comments

chen.james25d ago

Heard the exact same thing from a buddy who runs a shop in Mesa. He hired a older diesel guy who could rebuild anything and the guy spent two hours cussing at a laptop because he didn't understand how to run a DPF regen test. Just walked off and said the truck was junk.

allen.william25d ago

Gotta say I agree with that shop manager more than I want to. I have seen the same thing with some older mechanics who can rebuild a motor in their sleep but act like a laptop is an alien spaceship. The industry moved on and leaving money on the table because you refuse to learn scan tools or aftertreatment systems is just bad business. Your buddy's story about the guy cussing at the laptop and walking off sounds all too familiar, I have watched guys throw wrenches at the wall over DEF systems. Experience still matters but not if it comes with a closed mind, thats the real problem.