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The Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF) is proud to announce its participation in Association of Equipment Manufacturer's 2025 Construction on the National Mall.

This showcase brings the construction industry to the heart of the nation's capital, offering a unique, interactive platform to highlight career pathways and critical workforce needs in the equipment sector.

AEDF's involvement is part of its ongoing workforce development initiative, "Vision," aimed at strengthening the future of the equipment industry. The initiative's goal is to introduce 10,000 new technicians into the workforce by 2027, a direct response to the severe and growing shortage of skilled labor across the country.

"This event is a powerful platform to show young people, educators and legislators the exciting and rewarding opportunities that exist in the equipment industry," said Brian P. McGuire, president, AEDF. "We are here to sound the alarm on the skilled labor shortage and to demonstrate the tangible solutions our members and partners are contributing to address it."

As part of its Vision initiative, AEDF works to expand opportunities for students by fostering partnerships among local equipment dealers, manufacturers and educational institutions. Its community-based, school-to-work strategy creates direct pathways for students to pursue rewarding technical careers, while bridging the gap between educators and industry stakeholders. The result is a new generation of highly trained, in-demand professionals ready to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. To date, AEDF supports 112 recognized high schools and 52 accredited colleges across North America.

Visitors to AEDF's exhibit will enjoy hands-on training experiences made possible by the support of two AED member organizations. Carter Machinery will be providing Cat Simulators, giving attendees the opportunity to explore real-world equipment operation in a safe and immersive environment. In addition, TRANSFR will provide virtual reality headsets to further enhance the interactive learning experience.

"It's critical that our nation's lawmakers understand the depth of the skilled technician shortage and the impact it's having on the equipment industry," said Daniel Fisher, AED senior vice president of government and external affairs. "By bringing this experience directly to Capitol Hill, we're helping elected officials see firsthand the need for strategic policy solutions and increased investment in technical education and workforce development."

"Participation in events like Construction on the National Mall is a vital part of our mission to elevate the visibility of skilled technicians and highlight the real-world impact of the AED Foundation's workforce development efforts," said Sean Fitzgerrel, vice president, AEDF. "We're grateful for the continued support of our members, whose involvement makes these opportunities possible. By engaging with policymakers, educators, and the public in such a dynamic setting, we continue to build awareness, foster industry partnerships and drive momentum for long-term solutions to the technician shortage."

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