I remember hearing about 10 years ago that the biggest challenge to our industry was aging technicians and not being able to recruit younger talent. I believe good forklift truck technicians are the most knowledgeable when compared to auto, construction equipment and airplane techs.
I interviewed an RV tech this week. He makes $15 per hour and gets billed out at $115 per hour. The shop is going flat rate because they think they aren't getting a good enough return in the service department. If he makes the flat rate he will be paid $17.50.