Prices and workloads have drawn concern, but it appears the love of the job has emboldened mechanics, according to recent findings.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance was one of the major concerns highlighted in the latest State of the Nation 2022 report from Capricorn – Australasia’s largest automotive co-operative. The report consisted of a survey completed by 1,900 Capricorn members across Australia and New Zealand. It’s aimed at realising the issues, concerns and emerging problems facing the automotive industry in the region. Not only was a good work-life balance a key issue raised from the report, but parts shortages and their rising cost have presented as significant challenges for members too.
Despite these issues, 62 per cent of participants were either ‘very happy’ or ‘extremely happy’ with their choice to work in the auto industry. ‘Making customers happy’ was also the leading positive from respondents in working in automotive. Capricorn CEO David Fraser said despite the chaos caused by COVID in recent years, the mood among members was generally positive. “Making customers happy, solving their vehicle’s problems and the variety of work continue to drive the positive sentiment,” he said.
Capricorn’s CEO of Automotive Brad Gannon echoed Fraser’s sentiment, adding there was an overarching theme of resilience among responses. Whether it’s COVID, electric vehicles, diagnosing more complex vehicles – whatever it is – the industry finds a way to adapt to it, to evolve with it, to meet that new reality,” he said. “The industry has shown itself to be a great group of problem solvers. “State of the Nation 2022 is one more way Capricorn is delivering on our promise that we’re stronger together.”
About Capricorn State of the Nation 2022 This year’s State of the Nation is the third report undertaken by Capricorn, with a motive of keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the auto industry in Australasia. As well as identifying issues faced within the industry, the report looks to find ways to help improve member businesses. About Capricorn Established in 1974, Capricorn was founded by a few servo owners in Western Australia, who sought to increase their buying power and become less reliant on big fuel companies.
It’s a member-based organisation that supports automotive businesses and has more than 25,000 members and 2,000 committed preferred suppliers across Australian and New Zealand. Whether its equipment financing, business protection, travel services or other auto related assistance Capricorn has workshops covered.
You can find out more about the services they provide at capricorn.coop