| During the last 100 years or so, the transportation industry has changed at a phenomenal rate of speed.
Today's technicians and service professionals use more than just mechanical skills--they must be adept at using fine instruments and computers, good communicators, critical thinkers with strong analytical skills, and work well with others in a teamworking environment.
WATEA History
The "grease monkeys" of the past are gone, replaced today by highly skilled professionals in an ever-changing industry. The very nature of our business requires that we attract high caliber job candidates with technical training--who are committed to continuing their education to stay current with rapidly advancing technology.
As each facet of the automotive and truck industry realized the demand for qualified, skilled technicians and personnel was growing--while at the same time the pool of candidates was shrinking--they formed trade associations and groups to try to "solve" the problem. It was no different here in Wisconsin.
But the problem wasn't solved. Instead, like the proverbial thief that robbed Peter to pay Paul, the repair industry was merely "stealing" or "pirating" the best technicians away from other dealerships or shops until the original facility "one-upped" the current employer to get the employee back. No one was actually addressing the shortage of qualified job candidates.
That's when we decided to make a difference in Wisconsin. WATEA is the first cohesive organization in the industry to unite business owners, technicians, suppliers, educators, and others in a common mission to address the problem at its root. We are pooling our efforts and resources to change the "grease monkey" misconceptions, work with students who are making career decisions for their future, presenting the opportunities in the industry today, working with youth in apprenticeship programs to allow them to explore a career in the industry, and "growing" a new crop of automotive and truck professionals--and we're doing it together as an industry--dealerships and independents, parts suppliers, chemical suppliers, educators, and more--through education. We're working together with our competitors for the good of the industry as a whole.
It's a remarkable new concept, and we'd like you to join us! Contact us to learn more about how you can help or complete and mail a membership registration form today. | 
