Sonic Pathway Program or some other method for helping technicians purchase the tools and receive the training they need. Enabling workers by providing tools and helping them avoid needless debt will help service and repair managers to reduce turnover and ultimately run faster and more efficient service bays. THE DIRECT PURCHASING MODEL FOR A NEW TECHNICIAN One innovative and affordable way is for automotive dealerships and service and repair centers to supply tools directly to its technicians (with specialty pricing). From the moment a candidate is hired and trained to become a master technician, the tool costs are covered by the employer and toolsets are upgraded as the technician's skills increase. In addition to the obvious cost saving advantage designed to entice and encourage the technician, the direct purchasing model also overcomes lost and non-billable time stemming from spending time on a tool truck, browsing, shopping and going further into debt. When shops purchase tools directly for technicians versus providing the traditional signing bonus, technicians can also exhibit more loyalty over the long-term since they know they won't have to keep buying tools with their own money while the business itself enjoys additional tax advantages through capital equipment purchases. THE DIRECT PURCHASING MODEL GROWS WITH THE TECHNICIAN As stated, the Direct Purchasing Model ensures that technicians are not saddled with debt and don't initially overbuy tools at the start of their respective careers they won't need just yet. It also empowers them to affordably upgrade as they master their craft and gain the necessary skills. It virtually removes one of the largest and most intimidating barriers to entry for new automotive trade school technician graduates, the multi-thousand-dollar investment in a toolset. Furthermore, it provides managers the ability to provide tools to workers that are appropriate for their JANUARY FEBRUARY 2025 || FIXED OPS MAGAZINE 37