As the equipment industry continues to face a shortage of an estimated 10,000 technicians each year, the AED Foundation (AEDF) is expanding its efforts to build the future workforce by reaching a major milestone: Waukegan High School has become the Foundation's 150th AEDF Recognized High School.

The achievement marks another significant step in the Foundation's mission to connect students with rewarding careers in the equipment industry while helping dealers and manufacturers address the growing demand for skilled technicians, the association said.

"Becoming an AED Foundation Recognized High School is a tremendous milestone for Waukegan High School and our new Diesel Mechanics program," said David Marks, CTE academic chair/coordinator of Waukegan High School. "This recognition validates our commitment to providing students with an industry-aligned education that prepares them for high-demand careers in the equipment industry. Through our partnership with the AED Foundation, our students will have access to high-quality curriculum, industry standards and career opportunities that will help build the next generation of skilled technicians. We are honored to be part of this growing network of recognized schools and proud to contribute to strengthening the future workforce."

The AEDF Recognized High School Program introduces students to careers in the equipment industry through hands-on technical education and industry-aligned curriculum while cultivating relationships among students, educators, schools, dealers, manufacturers and industry partners to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the equipment industry. In addition to recognizing high school programs, the Foundation also accredits college equipment technology programs, ensuring educational programs at both the secondary and post-secondary levels meet industry standards and prepare graduates for successful careers.

The success of the program is made possible by AED members and industry partners who invest their time, expertise and resources into developing tomorrow's workforce, the association said.

"West Side Tractor is committed to our future workforce," said Beth Bayless, training and development specialist of West Side Tractor Sales. "Helping students learn about the great career opportunities that exist in our industry is an important mission for West Side Tractor. We're so excited that AED has reached 150 Recognized High Schools. It's a great network that provides valuable connections and support for the AED-recognized schools."

Over the past four years, the AED Foundation has transformed workforce development across the equipment industry through accomplishments that include:

• 104 Accredited College Programs across North America;

• 150 Recognized High School Programs introducing students to careers in the equipment industry;

• More than 5,000 students connected with equipment industry employers through AED Foundation workforce events;

• Eighty-six percent of AED Foundation program students enter careers within the equipment industry including 1,447 newly certified technicians; and

• More than $100,000 returned to the equipment industry through federal and state workforce grants supporting workforce development initiatives.

AED Foundation Standards Committee and its Evaluation Team Leaders, who have dedicated more than 4,000 hours to evaluating post-secondary programs and curriculum to ensure graduates, are prepared to meet the evolving technical and workforce demands of the equipment industry, according to the association.

"Reaching 150 Recognized High Schools is an incredible milestone because every school represents new opportunities to inspire students and strengthen our industry's future workforce," said Brian P. McGuire, president of the AED Foundation. "The success of this program reflects the commitment of educators, industry partners and AED members who are working together to address the skilled labor shortage. By expanding our network of Recognized High Schools, we're creating more opportunities for students to discover rewarding careers while helping ensure the equipment industry has the talented workforce it needs for years to come."