This important job, then, can be the first upward step for the young man who aspires to make vehicle maintenance a satisfying and well-paying career, even up to the top. In fleets or other businesses utilizing large numbers of vehicles, the highest-paying and top-prestige job is the director of equipment and maintenance. Becoming the shop foreman is the way to start up.
First and foremost requirement is to be (or learn to become) an experienced good mechanic. Being an outstanding mechanic is even better!
How Ability Is Developed
The above "ratings" come as a result of gaining experience and learning the skills of a good mechanic by assisting experienced shop men, first in inspection and repair work, and then gradually being assigned more difficult repair jobs.
Depending on the aptitude, previous schooling of the man, and his ability to learn by doing, it might take from two to four years of such on-the-job experience to qualify him as a good or outstanding mechanic. Of course, formal apprenticeships exist, and a typical one for truck and bus mechanics, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, consists of approximately 8000 hours of shop training and at least 576 hours of related classroom instruction over a four-year period.
Since the shop foreman has the minute-by-minute responsibility of organizing, assigning, and directing the work of all the mechanics, or sometimes only those on his shift, he must have two important personal qualities to achieve maximum production at the lowest cost consistent with established job and quality standards. One is the ability to lead and supervise men; the other, the ability to teach. Both can be developed.
The Foreman's Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Here is a summary of major duties and responsibilities of the shop foreman, who might be called "maintenance supervisor" in some companies, or have a comparable title.
A shop foreman:
(1) Organizes and assigns work to be accomplished by all mechanics, or those on his shift.
(2) Constantly supervises shop operations to assure that:
a. mechanics perform planned inspections on all equipment scheduled for maintenance practices.
b. minor and major repairs are accomplished in an efficient manner, and that the work meets quality requirements.
(3) Handles all road breakdowns until driver is under way.
(4) Assures that proper parts are ordered for each job.
(5) Continually trains employees under his supervision in proper and safe working habits.
(6) Works closely with his superior and other departments to assure most effective equipment utilization.
(7) Keeps fully informed on labor contract provisions, interprets, and applies contract as required, including taking or recommending disciplinary action.
It is important that the shop foreman or maintenance supervisor has a broad background of knowledge and experience in automotive engineering, hydraulics, electricity, and chemistry, since all are involved in many ways in the efficient and safe operation of motor vehicles.
Also, to meet the above responsibilities he must keep abreast of improvements and changes made by vehicle, component, and accessory manufacturers, and be in a position to work with both his superiors and the men under his direction in modifying or improving shop operations or maintenance practices.
Many Training Opportunities Available
A number of ways to "keep up" are available to him. Top management of motor carriers are among the most progressive in the country in helping their supervisory and middle-management men take advantage of special training programs.
One is the series of unique training courses offered at universities and other educational institutions throughout the country since 1945 in "Maintenance for Safe and Efficient Operation," and more recently in "Motor Fleet Maintenance Management" by the National Committee for Motor Fleet Supervisor Training, headquartered at Pennsylvania State University and sponsored by eighteen national organizations in the motor fleet, insurance, and safety fields.
They are normally one-week, 40-hour courses, and the supervisory and management men in many fleets are assigned to attend a nearby course, and in most cases have their tuition and expenses paid by the company.
The basic maintenance course has such topics as:
Principles of Vehicle Selection; Clutch Maintenance Practices; Manual Transmission Maintenance; Automatic Transmission Operation and Maintenance; Drive Lines and Differentials; Controlling Engine Valve Life; Pistons, Rings and Cylinders; Diesel Engine Operation and Maintenance; Gasoline Engine Diagnosis, Tune-up and Emission Control; Essentials of Long Engine Bearing Life; Fuels and Lubricants for Fleet Use; Batteries, Electrical Systems and Alternators; Ignition Systems; Cooling System Maintenance; Air and Liquid Fuel Filtration; Ball and Roller Bearing Adjustments and Failure Analysis; The Foundation Brake-Cam, Wedge, and Hydraulic; Air Brake Operation and Maintenance; Front-End Alignment and Maintenance; Tire Maintenance Practices; Suspension Systems; Federal Regulations; Shop Safety; Shop Administration; Effective Communications and Personnel Training; Supervision and Human Relations.
Competent instructors from manufacturers, the motor transportation industry, and educational institutions teach the courses, and a man holding a "graduation" Certificate has taken an important step in winning national certification as a "shop service manager" This brings added prestige, higher pay in most cases, and a better chance for advancement.
Rewards
Based on his ability as an outstanding mechanic, steps he has taken to learn on the job and through formal training courses, he is rewarded.
