WAKE COUNTY, N.C. --  Automotive technicians are in high demand. 

Experts in the industry say it is facing a widespread shortage as many technicians are retiring.

"It's incredible the industry shortage," Dean Myslinski of Capital Ford said. "I think the last stat I understood was you have about 31 percent of technicians getting out of the business and only 19 coming into the business."

Wake Tech has a waiting list for its automotive technician program. 

Many current students already have a job or apprenticeship. 

It's a perk for many, who say it helps them feel confident about their futures. 

"It not only gives me a secured feeling that I am going to have a job underneath my belt for a good while, but there are also, you know,  it's not just dealerships out there. There's also federal jobs," student Jennifer Doran said. "Realizing that I have this knowledge, the right tools that I can fix a car - that brings such joy to me."

Wake Tech's new automotive center is currently under construction on the northern campus. 

It is slated to open in the fall of 2021 and will accommodate 200 students, double the number of students it has in the program now.