The automotive industry is facing a critical challenge: a growing skills gap. With an aging workforce and seasoned technicians retiring, the shortage of skilled entry-level workers is becoming more apparent. Fewer young people are entering the field. The demand for specialized skills is surging.
In 2025, this challenge is sharper than ever. Smart businesses are addressing it NOW–before the shortage becomes an even greater threat to operations and customer satisfaction.
Attracting Gen Z talent isn’t just about offering competitive pay. It’s about meeting their unique needs and providing clear opportunities for growth, so you can develop the skilled technicians your business needs (and keep them around).
Bridging the Gap: Understanding and Attracting Gen Z
Digital Natives
Gen Z grew up with smartphones, apps, and instant connectivity. They expect technology to play a central role in their work environment. Outdated systems or repetitive manual processes can quickly lead to disengagement.
Actionable Tip: Incorporate exposure to tech tools early.
💡 With Mentor Mentee, you can introduce tech-driven task tracking, mobile-friendly feedback, and a digital-first learning environment that mirrors how Gen Z already works.
Hands-On Learners
Gen Z excels when they learn by doing. In fact, 51% of Gen Z employees say they learn best through guided hands-on experiences. They want to see outcomes of their personal work, which builds confidence and creates a long-term connection to their role.
Actionable Tip: Provide technical mentorship or apprenticeship opportunities.
- Have seasoned technicians guide mentees through real-world tasks.
- Use a system to track skills, task repetitions, and competencies.
- Showcase certifications as milestones of progress.
💡 Mentor Mentee makes this simple by digitizing skill tracking, task repetitions, and certifications, giving new hires visibility into their development journey.
Immediate Feedback
Studies show Gen Z values instant feedback. They don’t want to wait until quarterly reviews to know where they stand.
Actionable Tip: Provide feedback at the end of each task.
- Set up weekly check-ins to recognize contributions.
- Use digital tools to track progress in real time.
💡 Mentor Mentee delivers instant, structured feedback loops so managers and mentors can reinforce good habits and correct mistakes right away.
Purpose and Meaning
Gen Z wants to know their work matters. They’re drawn to roles tied to sustainability, safety, or meaningful contribution.
Actionable Tip: Connect their work to larger outcomes.
- Explain how their efforts impact customer safety, satisfaction, and the industry at large.
- Use real-world examples to connect their tasks to business outcomes.
💡 Mentor Mentee helps leaders highlight progress, recognize achievements, and connect individual contributions back to business success.
Act Now
The skills gap won’t wait. Without action, the divide between what businesses need and the available workforce will only grow wider.
By integrating career pathways, real-time feedback, and tech-driven mentorship, you can attract Gen Z talent and keep them engaged long-term.
👉 Ready to connect with Gen Z talent before others do? See how Mentor Mentee helps bridge the gap and keeps your team ahead.