AED Foundation Volunteers
AED Accreditation and related workforce initiatives would not exist but for the efforts and commitment from our dedicated volunteers. It is our industry-directed approach to workforce initiatives that provides both excellence and credibility to the results. There are several ways to participate:
The AED Foundation Technical Training Committee
The mission of The AED Foundation Technical Training Committee is to advise and assist The AED Foundation in planning and implementing school partnership initiatives including AED Accreditation. Committee members are representatives from AED member dealers, manufacturers, and post-secondary colleges with programs in construction equipment/diesel technology.
Participation in Task Forces
Industry task forces provide the expertise to endeavors such as updating AED Technical Standards every three years, or working on AED Technical Assessments content. Our approach involves recruiting industry technical experts that broadly represent AED equipment dealers, equipment manufacturers, and AED Accredited technical colleges.
Needed Now – Become an AED Evaluation Team Leader (ETL)
ETLs provide technical advisory services and field presence to support AED Accreditation and Re-Accreditation of college diesel-equipment technology programs…from the start of the process to final onsite evaluation and accreditation approval. They are the “front line” that makes the AED Accreditation program possible.
Glenn C. Williamson, longtime AED ETL, speaks to the rewards of involvement with AED Accreditation. “Having been a Vermeer dealer owner some years ago, I got involved with AED Accreditation as a volunteer because I wanted to give back to an industry that has been good to me. I know from personal experience how hard it can be to find and hire highly skilled entry-level technicians.” Mr. Williamson explained further, “My passion is for the young men and women students that are getting an education that is taught to AED industry technical standards. This gives the graduate a career not just a job; and then industry benefits from their education.”
ETL Benefits
- Enjoy working with a team of your peers; the group of technical experts on the ETL team.
- The “feel good” of helping young people obtain a great education that leads to great career opportunities in the equipment industry.
- Help the equipment industry address one of its most critical issues; the availability of well-qualified entry-level technicians.
- Share your knowledge with others in the industry; learn from their knowledge.
- Take on a new challenge where you know you can make things happen and make a difference. Take satisfaction in the fact that you can use your skills and knowledge in new ways.
ETL Qualifications:
ETLs are construction equipment industry veterans, well versed in equipment technical skills and knowledge needed to be effective:
- Expertise in diesel/equipment technology required
- Skills in leadership, team building and developing relationships
- Willing to:
- a) Acquire thorough knowledge of AED technical standards and requirements for AED Accreditation
- b) Become familiar with technical program curriculums and course structures
- c) Be a consultative resource on AED Accreditation for college programs
- We ask that ETLs be available, subject to their personal and work schedules, to make a minimum of two onsite college accreditation visits per year. Each visit, with travel, is typically 3 days (two nights).
- We ask that AED member employers support this ETL involvement that serves the larger equipment industry.
Contact The AED Foundation if you would like to serve your industry as an AED volunteer.