I have only been in this industry for 10 years now coming from the automotive side. I also owned a four wheel drive shop at the end. I can not find good techs here in Canada either and cannot find a school to send them if I did. I started my company a couple years ago and the work is there and i have paid up to $36 per hour for someone who knew how to write a resume..but didn't know half of what the papers said he did. I usually start out anyone with decent mechanical experience and a good supply of their own tools at $25 or better plus a fulltime truck and fuel card but still haven't found anyone really decent especially in the electrical end. I believe most licensed auto techs and some HD techs weren't allowed to leave the tire/lube bays but still had someone sign there tickets...that should be a crime. I am now 45 with approx 27 years solid mechanical experience and many tickets. I know there are some good guys out there but we are all in the same boat.