Automotive Technician Shortage in Victoria: What Dealerships Must Do in 2026
The Automotive Technician Shortage in Victoria Is Not Slowing Down Lately I have been seeing a pattern repeated, the lack of qualified automotive technicians. This is a issue that is getting tougher, not easier. With the growth of EV, more complex vehicle systems and an ageing trade workforce, this all adds pressure. Demand for trade…
The Automotive Technician Shortage in Victoria Is Not Slowing Down
Lately I have been seeing a pattern repeated, the lack of qualified automotive technicians. This is a issue that is getting tougher, not easier. With the growth of EV, more complex vehicle systems and an ageing trade workforce, this all adds pressure. Demand for trade qualified automotive technicians, diesel mechanics, workshop controllers and diagnostic specialists are on the rise, but an available talent pool isn’t growing. For Victorian dealerships, this can affect service capacity, their customer wait time and workshop revenue.
EV Technology and Advanced Diagnostics Are Raising the Bar
Modern dealerships require more than mechanical ability. Technicians need confidence in high voltage systems, advanced diagnostics and software fault finding. EV servicing and ADAS calibration are becoming part of daily operations, yet the number of technicians with real hands on experience in these areas is limited. In some Victorian dealerships, key diagnostic capability is with only one or two senior technicians. If one leaves, the impact is immediate and productivity slows with a service backlog.
Dealership Downtime Is a Hiring Problem: The Roles That Keep Workshops Moving
Delayed Hiring Creates Operational Pressure
I see delayed recruitment an issue, such as when a technician resigns, the workshop absorbs the gap, overtime increases, service advisors manage frustrated customers, and senior staff carry additional workload. The strongest automotive technicians in Victoria are selective. They look for well maintained workshops, stable full time employment, strong earning potential and long term opportunities. Dealerships need to secure talent before they’re under pressure to protect their output and their team culture.
Victorian dealerships should now be focusing on:
- Workforce planning for automotive technicians, diesel mechanics and workshop controllers
- Securing trade qualified mechanics with proven diagnostic capability
- Strengthening EV and ADAS servicing capacity
- Retaining experienced senior technicians
- Building apprenticeship pathways supported by qualified trades
- Partnering with a specialist automotive dealership recruiter in Victoria
- Automotive Dealership Recruitment Requires a Proactive Approach
From what I’m seeing in Victoria, available technicians will be tight over the next few years. Vehicle technology is advancing, and experienced trades are in high demand.
Dealerships that approach recruitment early, rather than reactively, are in a far stronger position. At TRS Resourcing, I work with automotive dealerships across Victoria to source qualified automotive technicians, diesel mechanics, service advisors and workshop leaders who strengthen service departments long term.
If you need assistance finding skilled staff for your dealership, submit your role requirements and I’ll manage the recruitment process so you can focus on running your workshop.
Trent Couacaud Promoted to Recruitment Consultant at TRS Resourcing
