In response to Farm Equipment Op-Ed – “Will there ever be enough technicians?” by Kim Schmidt, published May 20, 2025

The equipment distribution industry is at a critical inflection point. As workforce needs grow and technologies evolve at a rapid pace, the technician shortage continues to threaten productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability across the sector.

Recognizing this challenge, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and the AED Foundation launched “Vision” in 2020—a bold, strategic campaign designed to directly confront the workforce gap and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled, industry-ready technicians.

A Full-Circle Investment in the Industry

Vision is more than a workforce initiative—it is a full-circle investment. Industry-supported funding is being used to build the industry’s future, with a focus on accredited education programs, student outreach, dealer-school partnerships, and meaningful career development.

The results are real. Vision set out to deliver 10,000 qualified technicians into the industry. As of today, the campaign has:

  • Delivered over 5,600 technicians through AED Foundation-accredited programs
  • Certified nearly 4,900 technicians through rigorous, industry-aligned testing
  • Raised over $8.5 million
  • Increased recognized high school programs to 112 an increase of more 20x—than in the previous 30 years combined. This program creates a sustainable pipeline of students from secondary to post-secondary and directly into the industry. In addition to the high school program, the Foundation has continued to expand the Accredited Colleges program by adding 52 programs since the start of Vision.

Strengthening the Workforce Pipeline

Vision is built on the principle that collaboration between education and industry is essential. To that end, the AED Foundation has expanded its workforce engagement team and developed key partnerships that bridge the gap between training and employment. These include:

  • Mentorships, internships, and sponsorships developed through collaboration with national youth workforce development organizations
  • A registered apprenticeship model that supports students from training to long-term careers
  • Nearly $10 million secured through public grants to support and incentivize the industry to leverage Registered Apprenticeships as another tool to address the workforce shortage
  • Returned over $500,000 to industry partners via public/private grant programs

These programs ensure students aren’t just trained, they’re positioned for success and supported at every stage of their career journey.

Extending Reach Through Strategic Investments

In addition to supporting its own programs, the AED Foundation has invested more than $200,000 over the past three years in external organizations and initiatives that expose young people to career opportunities in the equipment industry. These partnerships help extend awareness and interest in technical career paths, especially among populations that might not otherwise consider the field.

The Foundation is also advancing research to identify emerging workforce opportunities. One of the most recent and timely examples is the joint report with the National Immigration Forum, titled: “Utilizing Foreign Born Talent to Address the Workforce Shortage.” This study explores how immigration strategies and access to foreign-born talent can help alleviate technician shortages and bolster the labor pool across the industry. Insights from the report are helping dealers, educators, and policymakers shape practical and sustainable workforce solutions.

Outreach and Awareness Are Changing Perceptions

Events remain a key part of Vision’s impact. In 2024 alone, the AED Foundation hosted 35 workforce events, including roundtables, career fairs, and student pathway programs—each one introducing the next generation to careers in equipment distribution. With 60 additional events planned for 2025, awareness and engagement continue to grow. These activities are reshaping how students, parents, and educators view the industry.

The Road Ahead

Vision is delivering real results—but continued progress depends on sustained industry support. The campaign has proven that when businesses invest in the future workforce, they aren’t just supporting students or schools—they’re strengthening their own operations and securing the long-term health of the industry.

The technician shortage is a complex, long-term challenge that won’t be solved overnight—but Vision is making significant strides. By forging lasting connections between education and industry, AED and the AED Foundation are building a strong foundation and a blueprint for future success—and remain committed to continuing to find solutions and partnerships that address this critical workforce need.