The AED Foundation (AEDF) hosted its Indianapolis Pathways event Sept. 10, 2026, at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind. The event brought together equipment industry leaders to give more than 300 high school students from six schools a firsthand look at career opportunities.
Throughout the event, students participated in hands-on activities designed to introduce them to the equipment industry and the skills used in careers such as technicians, sales representatives, parts managers and more. Students visited several different stations where a variety of construction equipment was on-site for students to try out.
Equipment was donated to the event by several dealerships including Vermeer Midwest, Bobcat of Indy, United Rentals and West Side Tractors Sales Co. Students drove skid steers, worked on mini-excavators, track machines, scissor lifts and more.
Students also took part in mock interviews with industry leaders, giving them an opportunity to practice job-interview skills while learning directly from professionals about what it takes to build a career in the equipment industry.
“For a long time, we've pushed kids to take the college route and not everybody is skilled in that direction or has the desire to be in that field,” said Micah Humphreys, agriculture educator of Riverton Parke High School in Montezuma, Ind. “Connecting students with something that they're excited about and something they can do and enjoy while making good money is very valuable.”
The event was designed to help students see the wide range of career opportunities available in the equipment industry while creating connections between the next generation of workers and the companies looking to hire them.
AEDF recently released its 2026 Technician Shortage Report findings. Building awareness was one of the key priorities to help solve the issue across North America.
“The newly released AED Foundation 2026 Technician Shortage Report shows the equipment industry is struggling to find the next generation of skilled technicians,” said Sean Fitzgerrel, vice president of the AED Foundation. “This event acts as a solution to that problem by giving students direct access to the equipment industry leaders who are hiring, ultimately creating a bridge between education and career.”
Through hands-on experience and direct industry connections, AEDF is committed to helping students gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available and the skills needed to succeed in the equipment industry.
The AED Foundation is hosting several more career day events in 2026, including:
• Minnesota Pathways Event — Oct. 6
• Lake County Technical Center Career Day — Oct. 8
•Colorado Pathways Event — Oct. 29
For more information, contact Seth Medinger at [email protected].
