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More than 500 students from across Ohio gathered on Dec. 12 to explore rewarding careers in the equipment industry during the AED Foundation (AEDF) Industry Pathways: Career Experience event in Circleville, Ohio. Held at the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center in Pickaway County, the daylong program introduced high school students to hands-on opportunities in diesel engine repair, equipment operation and workforce readiness, including mock job interviews.
Organized by the Youth Workforce Development Foundation (YWDF) in partnership with AEDF and SkillsUSA Ohio, the event brought together students from 16 area schools and career centers to engage directly with industry employers. This initiative is part of the Apprenticeships Build America program, funded by nearly $8 million in federal grants aimed at addressing the national workforce shortage in the machinery sector.
Source: Youth Workforce Development Foundation
"The AED Foundation is grateful to the Youth Workforce Development Foundation and SkillsUSA Ohio for their support in making this experience possible," said Sean Fitzgerrel, AED Foundation senior director of workforce development and industry initiatives. "The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the highly rewarding, in-demand and high-tech career opportunities within the equipment industry, but more importantly, to connect these students with rewarding career paths that will shape their futures and contribute to the growth and success of the equipment industry."
The event provided students with free access to interactive hands-on experiences, including operating equipment in a controlled environment; practicing job interview skills with industry professionals; and networking with employers eager to grow their workforce.
Participants also enjoyed giveaways and prizes while gaining valuable insights into careers that do not require a four-year college degree.
AEDF is actively addressing the serious shortage of skilled professionals in the equipment distribution industry through expansion of its "community-based, school-to-work" school partnership strategy. AEDF is putting dealers, manufacturers and educators together, working toward the common goal of growing a new generation of highly in demand, highly skilled and highly rewarding technical positions in the equipment industry.
Industry Partners include Ohio CAT; AGCO; Bobcat Enterprises; Company Wrench; Columbus Equipment Company; Ditch Witch Mid-States; Murphy Tractor and Equipment Company; United Rentals; and Vermeer Heartland
Schools that participated include Circleville High School; Delaware Area Career Center; Eastern High School (Reedsville); Fairfield Local High School; Greenfield McClain High School; Huntington High School; Logan Elm High School; Logan Hocking Local High School; Mid-East Career Center (Zanesville); Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center; Piketon High School; Pioneer Career and Technology Center; River Valley High School; Upper Valley Career Center; Washington County Career Center; and West Liberty-Salem High School.
