Research Reports
Workforce Research & Technician Development
Building the Workforce Our Industry Needs
The AED Foundation (AEDF) is the nonprofit foundation for the equipment industry and the sister organization of Associated Equipment Distributors (AED). AEDF is focused on addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in equipment distribution by bringing together equipment dealers, manufacturers, educators and students to help develop the next generation of highly skilled technicians.
A key part of that effort is workforce research. AED Foundation research provides equipment industry leaders with data and insights to better understand the technician shortage, its impact on dealerships, the challenges affecting recruitment and retention, and strategies that can help strengthen the technician pipeline.
Turning Research Into Workforce Development
The AED Foundation supports a community-based, school-to-work strategy that connects dealers, manufacturers and educators. Its technician-development initiatives include recognized high school programs, accredited college diesel technician programs, and industry testing and certifications designed to support education and training aligned with equipment-industry needs.The research reinforces several priorities for strengthening the workforce:
- Expand apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.
- Strengthen partnerships between equipment dealers and technical schools.
- Increase awareness of rewarding technician career opportunities.
- Support career and technical education and employer training.
- Address technician retention alongside recruitment.
- Continue using workforce research to inform industry initiatives and public policy priorities.
Through research, education and industry collaboration, the AED Foundation is working to build a stronger, more sustainable technician workforce and help equipment distributors meet the workforce needs of the future.
