WE ARE DRIVING
stronger futures and careers for today’s youth.
WE ARE BUILDING
a place for generations to unite to explore, teach, and learn the mechanical world together.
WE ARE CREATING
Tomorrow’s Toolmen Today.
WE ARE DRIVING stronger futures and careers for today’s youth ages 12 +up.
WE ARE BUILDING a place for generations to explore, teach, and learn the mechanical world together.
WE ARE CREATING Tomorrow’s Toolmen Today.
jobs will go unfilled in the next decade due to the growing skills gap crisis
%
of voters say there should be more funding for skilled trades education
of all skilled trade workers are over 45 and expect to retire before 65
About Bendix
Bendix Academy is a place for generations to unite to explore, teach, and learn the mechanical world together.
Driven by mentors and a vision of a stronger future, we are preparing today’s youth to drive the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
Tomorrow's Toolmen Today
TOOLMANSHIP
/ˈtuːlmən ● ship/
noun
The skill of using tools and being mechanically inclined.
%
of all skilled trade workers are over 45 and expect to retire before 65
donation changes the future
hardest industry jobs to fill: carpentry, plumbing, electrical & advanced manufacturing
There's a massive skilled labor shortage in America.
Only 1 new skilled trades worker is entering the trades for every 5 who retire.
As 2025 draws to a close, we are overflowing with gratitude for all this year has brought, from the incredible mentors who so generously share their time and wisdom, to the remarkable students who arrive curious, eager, and ready to learn, to the volunteers and dedicated board members helping guide our growth. Together, we’ve transformed curiosity into confidence and hands-on skill, building something meaningful and lasting for our community.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are more energized than ever! The momentum is unmistakable: more students ready to learn, more mentors stepping forward with open hearts, and a clear vision for expanding our reach and impact. We know the year ahead will be filled with opportunity, skill-building, community connection, and truly life-changing mentoring relationships.
Thank you to everyone who has cheered us on, shared our story, supported our mission, and been part of this journey!
TOOLMEN TIMES
Quarterly Newsletter – Vol 1 No 4
Fall, 2025
NEW ISSUE JUST RELEASED!
Vol. 1, No. 4 – Fall 2025
Fresh off the press — Read the latest issue of Toolmen Times in any of these ways:
- Click the images below to read Toolman Times page by page
- Download a pdf version here to take with you and share with others
- Get the full-length stories here with in-depth articles, bonus photos and videos!
Make sure you never miss an issue when you SIGN UP to receive Quarterly Editions as soon as they are released!
Our latest Toolmen Times — Vol. 1, No. 4 (Fall 2025) is here and it’s packed with inspiring stories and practical wisdom that show exactly what makes Bendix Academy so special! In this issue, our Founder Todd reflects on the powerful impact our mentoring approach has had on young lives, while three alumni — Zelie, Mat, and Alistair — share how hands-on toolmanship gave them confidence, direction, and real career momentum. You’ll also find useful Toolman Tips on measuring like a pro and a heartfelt Community Connection thank-you to the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Foundation for helping equip our shop with a CNC machine. Whether you love real stories of growth, practical how-to insights, or just want to see toolmanship in action, this newsletter celebrates the spark that turns curiosity into skill and strengthens our community one learner at a time. Don’t miss it — and subscribe to stay connected with everything happening at Bendix Academy!
For in-depth content in this issue’s articles:
FOUNDER’S FORUM – The Power of Impact
By Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director of Bendix...
ALUMNI AVENUE – From Small Engines to Big Iron – Alistair in His Own Words
A career that began with small engines grows into something...
ALUMNI AVENUE – What Zelie Learned about Tools and Skills for Life
"I still remember the moment it lit me up inside..."Zelie’s...
ALUMNI AVENUE – Meet Mat, Full Service Tech!
Meet Mat, former Bendix Academy student, now a Full Service...
TOOLMAN TIPS – Measure Like It Matters
Measuring is one of those steps everyone assumes they’ve...
COMMUNITY CONNECTION – Livingston Sunrise Rotary Foundation helps purchase CNC machine
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Livingston Sunrise Rotary...
Bendix Academy and the future of toolmanship belongs to you too!
As a 501(c)3 EIN 84-3993569, our students depend on the generosity of mentor time, donations of tools and materials, and financial support from our community to help upcoming generations of youth secure toolmanship skills. How can you help?
If the stories of our mentors, students, and alumni move you, please consider a donation of any amount, one-time or monthly. 100% of your gift goes to ensuring Bendix Academy is here for generations to come!
Who does your gift of $5 / month help?
With just $5 a month, you help every Bendix Academy student gain hands-on experience in a real workshop—learning how to use tools safely, build with confidence, and explore how toolmanship fits in their future.
Why does $5 / month matter so much?
When you donate just the amount of one latte per month, you TANGIBLY make a difference by helping supplying everything on these shelves, giving young minds a continuous supply of new lessons and educational projects.
MENTORS MATTER!
Do you know a mentor?
If you’ve ever considered sharing your time, your curiosity, or simply your willingness to encourage a young person—you belong here!
As we look ahead to a new year, our need for mentors continues to grow. One afternoon a week can change a life, including your own.
If you are interested in mentoring, click here to let us know. Or, if you know someone else willing to share their time and their knowledge with an eager young learning, please share this page with them!
Meet some of our mentors and learn more about their experiences sharing their skills with Bendix Academy students in the posts below.
MENTORS’ MEASURE – Shop Talk 101 – Training Leaders for Tomorrow
Rodney Beckwith mentors students in various...
FRONT PAGE – Why Mentors Matter: Meet the Makers of Mechanical Self-Reliance
Building Confidence, Craftsmanship, and the...
MENTORS’ MEASURE – Jude Louria’s Journey through Tools, Teaching, and Takeoff
As one of Bendix Academy's most recent mentors,...
Become a Student
Become a Mentor
“Bendix Academy changed my life. I started to grow in ways I never expected!“
“Mentoring allows me to convey my skills to young people. My payback? Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces as they grow!”
THIS STUFF MATTERS
At Bendix, I know I am inspiring young people to pursue their passions.
Bendix directed me down the path that I now travel in the field of mechanics.
Bendix has truly made my son a better person.
The Vision
We’ve got a dream. And we want YOU to be a part of it.
The Blueprint
An exciting plan for a new and brighter future.
The Impact
We’re changing futures – young and old.