So where do young people learn to do this kind of work? It sounds like a lot of the software and diagnostic systems are proprietary. Is there a "technician shortage" because the dealerships are essentially raiding each others' shops, without considering how they're going to create *new* technicians in the long run?
Well for starters a plethora of colleges (like Cerritos College, here in SoCal) are featuring special classes wholly funded by the automobile manufacturers, who are actively trying to recruit new future techs.(in my case it is called C.A.P.(Chrysler Apprenticeship Program)
At the end of the course the future tech gets a fully loaded Snap-On tool box customized for the type of work he/she chooses to do, at half price courtesy of the sponsor. Sadly, the classrooms are for the most part empty, due to lack of students.
Not to many young people are overly enthused to becoming an automobile technician as I noted lately (I am one of the dealer designated shop teacher). It is a very demanding job in all aspect's. Not every one can deal with it, granted. To me it looks like almost everyone is taking the easy road out.
As Jay Leno once lamented the true automotive craftsmanship is dying out, due to lack of interest and desire. I do subscribe to that point of view, because it is dead on!
BTW, you are damn right the dealers are raiding each other for techs...the pool is shrinking and are no replacements in sight.