CIRCLEVILLE, OH — More than 500 students from across Ohio gathered to explore careers in the equipment industry during the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF) Industry Pathways: Career Experience event in Circleville, Ohio. Held at the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center in Pickaway County, the day-long 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.
"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
- Networking with employers
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Participants could also win giveaways and prizes while gaining insights into careers that do not require a four-year college degree.
AEDF is actively addressing the 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 technical positions in the equipment industry.
