AED and ASE Partner to Boost Technician Careers in Off-Highway Equipment

The equipment industry needs more skilled technicians. A new partnership between the AED Foundation and the ASE Education Foundation aims to support that goal by aligning high school programs with industry-recognized credentials and clearer school-to-career pathways. From the press release:

“This partnership with the ASE Education Foundation represents another important step in aligning education with the real needs of our industry,” said Brian P. McGuire, president, AEDF. “By giving students access to ASE’s respected credentialing system, we’re not only validating their skills but also helping schools, employers, and communities build a stronger, more sustainable pipeline of future technicians.”

The AED Foundation will now allow its Recognized High School Programs to use ASE Entry-Level Assessments as approved industry credentials. This gives students a way to prove job readiness before graduation. ASE will also extend its school pricing to all AEDF programs. That shift lowers the cost of credentialing for students in equipment-focused programs and expands access for more schools. These assessments help students earn meaningful credentials earlier in their training. Schools can then use credential success to qualify for incentive funding tied to student outcomes.

More Alignment with Industry Needs

The partnership supports stronger connections between technical education and real equipment careers. Both organizations want programs that match the expectations of equipment distributors and dealers. ASE data highlights the impact of recognized credentials:

• 65.1 percent of American parents now recommend skilled trades to their children — up from 42.6 percent just two years ago.
• In the 2024–2025 school year, more than 68,000 students took ASE Entry-Level tests, and over 50,000 passed at least one.
• Technicians with ASE certifications demonstrate up to 40 percent higher productivity, 60 percent fewer comebacks and 20 percent higher earnings than their non-certified peers.

These numbers reflect growing interest in skilled trades and a need for structured training pathways.

Supporting a Stronger Technician Pipeline

The AED Foundation and ASE want to improve student outcomes and help close the technician shortage. The construction and equipment sectors continue to struggle with finding and retaining qualified techs. Dealers across North America report long hiring timelines and limited applicant pools. This collaboration creates another entry point for future technicians by connecting high school programs to credentials already valued in dealerships and service shops. It also helps educators align classroom training with the hands-on skills employers expect. From the press release:

“We’re proud to partner with The AED Foundation to help more students earn credentials that truly make a difference in their careers,” said Dave Johnson, president & CEO, ASE. “Together, we’re helping schools deliver training that matches industry expectations and preparing students for rewarding jobs in the equipment sector.”

Looking Ahead

Both groups plan to use shared resources to improve training quality, expand student credentialing and support industry employers. The equipment sector needs more technicians, and this collaboration offers a practical step toward addressing that shortage. Compact Equipment will continue tracking programs and partnerships that strengthen the workforce behind the machines powering construction and landscaping jobs across North America.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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