Training to become a successful heavy equipment technician requires a great interest and aptitude in technical subjects and a strong work ethic. To meet industry demand for skilled technicians, The AED Foundation has been working with various high school programs throughout the United States and Canada. AED Foundation-recognized high schools start training youth as early as 15.
High academic performance in high school classes like physical sciences, advanced mathematics and computers, as well as core subjects such as English, reading and writing, is essential for joining these programs. But students must also be motivated to excel outside of the classroom.
The AED Foundation currently has 15 recognized high school programs, including:
- Anne Arundel County Public
- BOCES Cattaraugus Allegany: Heavy Equipment Technology Program
- BOCES Cattaraugus Allegany: Power Equipment Technology Program
- BOCES Orleans Niagara: Diesel Technology Program
- BOCES Capital Region: Medium and Heavy-Duty Repair
- BOCES Capital Region: Heavy Equipment Program
- BOCES Otsego Northern Catskills: Equipment and Repair Program
- BOCES Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex: Diesel Technology Program
- Canyons School District, Canyons Technical Education Center: Diesel Technology Program
- Berks Career and Technology Center: Heavy Equipment Technology Program
- JATC-North Jordan School District – West Jordan High School: Diesel Technology Program
- Eaton RESA Career Preparation Center
- Kent Career Technical Center; Kent Immediate School District: Diesel Equipment & Technology Program
These high schools aligned their curriculum to meet rigorous AEDF’s standards to preparing their students to have a bright future as AEDF certified technicians.
The Foundation’s goal to recognize 50 high school programs by 2025 will offer substantial benefits for students, schools and dealers. Students enrolled at an AEDF recognized high school should attend an accredited college program once they graduate, which is closely partnered with a nearby dealership, facilitating a space for dealers to oversee that the instruction meets their individual needs. In addition, students enrolled in The AED Foundation’s recognized high school programs can apply for a CAT Foundation scholarship to begin their education at an AEDF accredited college program.