The AED Foundation

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The AED Foundation Established in 1991 and directed by AED members, The AED Foundation addresses professional education and workforce development in the industry.

This includes AED Accreditation of diesel-equipment technology college programs.

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian members and partners! 🍁 Wishing you and your families a happy and enjoyable holiday...
10/12/2026

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian members and partners! 🍁 Wishing you and your families a happy and enjoyable holiday.

The AED Foundation (AEDF) was in Whistler, British Columbia, for the National Apprenticeship Conference organized by the...
10/09/2026

The AED Foundation (AEDF) was in Whistler, British Columbia, for the National Apprenticeship Conference organized by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA).

AEDF’s Bev Leavitt connected with industry leaders and educators to gather insights on strengthening the future workforce, including best practices for apprentice learning, skills development, career progression and diversity in the skilled trades.

AEDF shared the Foundation’s progress in preparing the next generation of equipment technicians across North America, including its growing apprenticeship efforts and recent acceptance into the CAF-FCA.

We’re proud to continue building relationships and exchanging ideas that will help strengthen the equipment industry’s workforce for years to come.

10/08/2026

The AED Foundation was in Grayslake, Illinois, today for a Career Day at Lake County Tech Campus, where hundreds of students connected with equipment industry professionals to learn how the trades they're developing today can lead to rewarding careers tomorrow.

Students got a firsthand look at opportunities in the equipment industry, including careers in ag and construction.

They connected with professionals who are helping build the next generation of skilled talent.

Please join us in welcoming Lourdez (Louie) Ardila to The AED Foundation as our new Workforce Coordinator for the Easter...
10/06/2026

Please join us in welcoming Lourdez (Louie) Ardila to The AED Foundation as our new Workforce Coordinator for the Eastern Region!

Louie brings a background in Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology and event management to the role. She will work with instructors, dealers and industry partners to strengthen relationships and support The AED Foundation’s workforce development efforts throughout the Eastern Region.

We’re excited to have Louie on the team as we continue working to build the next generation of the equipment industry’s workforce!

Last year’s Knapheide Technician of the Year Eastern Canada Region winner, Blair Pollard of Kensington Agricultural Serv...
10/02/2026

Last year’s Knapheide Technician of the Year Eastern Canada Region winner, Blair Pollard of Kensington Agricultural Services Ltd., has spent nearly three decades building a reputation for technical excellence, customer service and mentorship.

From beginning his career at Kensington Ag while still in high school to becoming one of the dealership’s most experienced technicians, Blair continues to lead by example and share his knowledge with the next generation.

Know an outstanding technician like Blair? Submit your nomination for this year’s AED Foundation Knapheide Technician of the Year Awards today!

🚨🏆 NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, OCT. 16! 🏆🚨

Submit your nomination today: https://hubs.li/Q04z4NrT0

The AED Foundation (AEDF) is connecting the dots between education and industry, and it's being featured in USA TODAY’s ...
10/01/2026

The AED Foundation (AEDF) is connecting the dots between education and industry, and it's being featured in USA TODAY’s Future of the Workforce!

The article highlights how AEDF connects students, educators, equipment dealers, manufacturers and industry leaders to build a stronger workforce pipeline through industry-driven education programs and hands-on career experiences.

We’re proud to be part of this important conversation about the future of workforce development. Thank you to USA Today for recognizing the AED Foundation’s efforts.

Read AEDF President Brian P. McGuire’s article, “Connecting the Dots: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce,” here: https://hubs.li/Q04y-hFm0

The AED Foundation workforce team was pleased to join Vermeer Heartland in Etna, Ohio, to celebrate the grand opening of...
10/01/2026

The AED Foundation workforce team was pleased to join Vermeer Heartland in Etna, Ohio, to celebrate the grand opening of its new location!

AED Board Member and Vermeer Heartland President Stephen Farrens joined the celebration as the company marked this exciting milestone.
Congratulations to Stephen and the entire Vermeer Heartland team on the new facility and continued growth!

The AED Foundation has received National Program Standard approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for its Registered ...
09/30/2026

The AED Foundation has received National Program Standard approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for its Registered Apprenticeship Program.

This approval marks an important milestone in AEDF’s efforts to strengthen the equipment industry’s technician workforce and provides equipment dealers with a nationally recognized pathway to recruit, train and develop skilled technicians.

The program combines paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, mentorship, supplemental education and industry-recognized credentials to help apprentices build successful careers in the equipment industry.

With equipment dealers facing a shortage of approximately 10,000 technicians per year, workforce development has never been more important.

80%That’s the percentage of equipment dealers who say they cannot meet customer demand because of a lack of qualified te...
09/30/2026

80%

That’s the percentage of equipment dealers who say they cannot meet customer demand because of a lack of qualified technicians.

The AED Foundation’s new research doesn't just identify the challenge—it points to opportunities for dealers, manufacturers and educators to work together to build a stronger technician pipeline.

Explore the 2026 Technician Shortage Research Report: https://hubs.li/Q04yFK4s0

1,263That’s the number of ag and construction technician positions Canada is expected to need to fill every year.The AED...
09/30/2026

1,263

That’s the number of ag and construction technician positions Canada is expected to need to fill every year.

The AED Foundation and Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation’s new 2026 Technician Shortage Research Report examines the workforce challenge facing Canada's agriculture and construction equipment industry. It provides tools the industry can put into action today to work towards progress.

Read the full report: https://hubs.li/Q04yFH6B0

Address

1900 E. Golf Road, Suite 750
Schaumburg, IL
60173

Telephone

+16305740650

Website

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