The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and The AED Foundation announced a partnership with the Manufacturing Institute’s new program, Heroes MAKE America (HMA). As an approved Department of Defense Skillbridge program, HMA is designed to help place military veterans into careers in the construction equipment industry.
“Heroes MAKE America is building a pipeline from military to manufacturing. We are not only addressing manufacturing’s workforce crisis but, by matching returning service members with the kind of manufacturing opportunities that pair perfectly with their in-demand skills along with the certifications necessary to excel in those careers, it’s literally changing lives,” said Carolyn Lee, executive director of the Manufacturing Institute. “We are grateful to have incredible partners like AED who are critical to expanding the program’s reach and providing these opportunities to even more of our nation’s heroes. In a way, you could say that AED is important to this programs’ success just as equipment distributors are critical to manufacturing’s success overall.”
During the HMA training program, service members earn a Certified Production Technician certification along with industry credentials, including Safety in Manufacturing Production, Quality Practices and Measurement, Processes and Production, and Maintenance Awareness, from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). Additionally, they receive an OSHA 10 certification and training in forklift operation, resume writing, personal finance and behavioral interviewing techniques to help facilitate their transition to the private sector.
The HMA program is offered to service members in their last six months of military service. This is a one-of-a-kind designation as far as veterans’ programs go, as it enrolls service members before they leave active duty. This allows active military personnel to continue to receive military pay and benefits during training.
Jason Blake, senior vice president of The AED Foundation, remarked, “We are excited to team up with the Manufacturing Institute. This initiative will introduce veterans to our industry and allow dealers to tap into this pool of candidates.” Joining the HMA Association Partners Network means AED members will have access to job candidate pools at all Heroes locations through the upcoming Heroes MAKE America job board, with the ability to post job opportunities, search resumes, and receive resumes and position applications from Heroes graduates across the country.