The Millennial generation has taken a lot of flak over the years; “lazy”, “selfish”, and “poor work ethic” are just a few words used to describe these 18 to 35 year-olds. But according to the Pew Research Center, this generation will make up as much as 75% of the global workforce by 2025. It’s critical that managers learn what it takes to train the next generation of service technicians.
Who are the Next Generation of Service Technicians?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to defining an entire generation, but there’s a general consensus when it comes to the Millennials:
- Born between 1981 and 2000
- There are nearly 80 million of them, which translates to 41% of the total U.S. population
- Just over half are currently in the workforce
- Over 63% earned a Bachelor’s Degree making them the most educated generation
Keep it Tech Savvy
In the eyes of the next generation, job training and technology go hand-in-hand. One of the best ways to engage young people during training is to learn to speak their language. Millennials grew up in the information age where text messaging, social-media platforms, and blogging were primary forms of communication. It’s important that you weave in opportunities to use technology throughout the training.
Consistent Feedback
Feedback is a very important part of an overall job experience and usually comes in the form of an annual evaluation. But, the next generation of service technicians need more than a yearly pat on the back. Millennials are a generation that require more feedback and praise in their work life. They appreciate opportunities for coaching, and if you incorporate positive feedback into the training, it increases engagement and knowledge retention.
Flexibility is Key
According to Business Insider, 77% of Millennials say flexible work hours make them more productive at work. To get the most out of Millennials, flexibility is critical as it fosters growth and helps them reach their full potential. This in turn allows their natural talents to shine through and creates a more productive workforce.
Train to Their Strengths
Want an edge on your competitors? The next generation of service workers are more in tune with “soft skills” than technical, but this can be advantageous for managers. Millennials are skilled in the areas of communication, interpersonal relationships, and creativity. Getting your employees up to speed in technical areas and coupling that training with your employee’s personal attributes not only benefits your bottom line, but also prevents high employee turnover.
Contact Adrian Steel!
Adrian Steel is ready to train the next generation to help you handle all of your vehicle needs, no matter how many units you need or where your vehicle will be put to work. Our distributor network of certified sales professionals and installation technicians are waiting to help you find the best vehicle to fit your business needs.
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