For the past several decades, there's been no question that attracting young people to traditionally blue collar jobs has been extremely challenging, particularly technicians. Going to college is fine, but often, it seems the decision to attend is based on a fear that if you don't go to college, you'll never have a well-paying job. Perception truly is reality, though, even if that viewpoint is ultimately wrong. Changing this perception is key to addressing this problem and the AED Foundation has been ramping up efforts to get young talent in the pipeline.
While college debt looms large for many, the AED Foundation's Vision 2025 initiative is quietly building something transformative —one technician at a time. The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) launched the program in 2020, which aims to make careers in equipment technology more appealing to young people and build a flow of skilled workers for the heavy equipment industry.
But growing the next generation of qualified technicians means changing perceptions about what a career in this field looks like and that starts with a grass roots effort. With support from dealers and manufacturers, Vision 2025 is working to hit ambitious benchmarks by 2027—120 accredited college programs, 200 recognized high schools, 10,000 new technicians and 5,000 certified techs through the Foundation's program. You need to reach the kids when they're young and still trying to figure out what they want to do; you also have to reach the parents and guidance counselors.
AED Foundation's path includes on-the-job training, no student debt and earning potential, according to AED. And while the industry has long struggled to attract young talent, Vision 2025 is making headway — nearly 6,000 technicians have entered the workforce through its efforts so far.
From high school outreach and internships to equipment demos and mock interviews, Vision 2025 is sparking interest where it counts and we need more of this type of work across the country from other organizations, as well. And not just with equipment technicians, but also other trades including plumbers, electricians, HVAC, landscapers and more. Things break and AI isn't going to physically fix it. You need a human for that, and we need a lot of them. P
