Gratitude for Great Beginnings!

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DIRECTOR’S DESK – Hammering a Happy New Year at Bendix Academy!

by bendixacademy | Dec 27, 2024 | Director's Desk, news, staff

Gratitude for Great Beginnings!

Filing away 2024 and Nailing a great 2025

By Wendy Zielen, Executive and Development Director

As we ring in 2025, I’m thrilled to share the progress and vision for Bendix Academy, where we are shaping the next generation of makers, builders, and creators. Over the past five years, we’ve worked tirelessly to pilot our program, refining our curriculum and building a foundation to teach kids toolmanship through mentorship. Our mission is to ignite a passion for skilled trades with hands-on learning to address the escalating national need.

Wendy in her office loft overlooking Bendix Academy workshop

View of the workshop from the loft, including one of the vehicles used by students learning in the automoive track.

The Challenge: A National Shortage of Skilled Tradespeople

The numbers tell a sobering story:

A 2023 Associated Builders and Contractors report revealed that the construction industry alone needed to hire over 500,000 skilled workers just to meet demand.¹
A 2024 study by Deloitte highlighted that by 2030, the U.S. could face a shortage of over 2 million manufacturing jobs due to a lack of skilled tradespeople.²
Beyond trades, even engineers are reporting gaps in hands-on skills. Employers stress the importance of practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, and too many young professionals are entering the workforce without these critical abilities.

Our mission is to ignite a passion for skilled trades and hands-on learning in the face of a growing national need.

^{1. Per HBSDEALER article “ABC: More than 500,000 construction workers needed in 2023“, 2/9/2023}

^{2. Per Deloite press release “US Manufacturing Could Need as Many as 3.8 Million New Employees by 2033“, 4/3/2024}

Above: Bendix Board 2025

Where We’ve Been

Since our founding, Bendix Academy has focused on addressing this challenge. Growing up in a home that my father built and always being involved directly or tangently with tech and skilled trades, I really understood the problem. I joined the board of Bendix Academy in 2022 to help build on the vision of growing the number of youth with toolmanship know-how.

Our Solution

Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. The pilot program has been about refining this vision, proving what works, and preparing to scale.

Through our pilot program in the last two years, we’ve:

Designed hands-on mentoring lessons to teach students toolmanship skills and mechanical concepts.
Partnered with skilled mentors who pass on knowledge and inspire young minds.
Sparked curiosity and confidence in students, opening their eyes to the possibilities of careers in trades and engineering.

Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. The pilot program has been about refining this vision, proving what works, and preparing to scale.

Where We’re Going in 2025 – Expanding the Solution

This year, Bendix Academy is stepping into a new phase of growth. We’re aiming to:

Expand Enrollment: We plan to double the number of students we serve, providing more opportunities to explore skilled trades and toolmanship.
Build Industry Partnerships: By collaborating with local businesses, unions, and trade associations, we can create stronger pipelines to employment for our graduates.
Recruit More Mentors: Skilled tradespeople are the heart of our program. We’re launching campaigns to bring more mentors into the fold, ensuring students have access to the best guidance possible.
Raise Awareness: Skilled trades are critical to our nation’s infrastructure, economy, and innovation. We’ll be working to shift perceptions and encourage more young people to consider these rewarding careers.

The Future of Bendix Academy

2025 marks an exciting moment for us. With the support of our community, we are poised to grow into a hub where young people can discover their talents, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to solving the skilled trades shortage. Seeing the need and the possibilities for making substantive change, I transitioned in 2024 from being a Bendix Academy board member to the role of Executive and Development Director. I invite you to join Bendix Academy on this journey.

Whether you’re a tradesperson eager to mentor, a parent of a curious student, or a supporter of hands-on education, your involvement can make a difference. Together, we can empower the next generation to meet the demands of tomorrow while reviving the spirit of craftsmanship in our nation. Let’s hammer out a brighter future and build a legacy of skilled, confident, and inspired young people!

Here’s to 2025 and beyond!

Wendy Zielen
[email protected]

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FRONT PAGE – Bendix Academy Pilot Program Ready to Expand in 2025

by bendixacademy | Nov 19, 2024 | Front Page, Newsletter, Vol1 No1 2024 Fall

Bendix Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students with essential toolmanship skills through hands-on mentorship, has successfully completed its pilot program and is preparing to expand to full-time programming in 2025. The academy’s mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators by equipping them with practical skills that can be applied in both everyday life and future career paths.

The pilot program, launched in 2022, has provided invaluable learning opportunities for participants, allowing them to work directly with experienced mentors who guide them in the use of tools and problem-solving techniques. This mentorship model fosters not only mechanical self-reliance but also critical thinking, discipline, and professional behavior—skills that are essential for success in any field. The Toolmanship Mentoring program is the start of the talent pipeline for trades, engineering, and maintenance.

“The success of our pilot has been beyond our expectations,” said Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director of Bendix Academy. “We’ve seen firsthand how kids thrive when they’re given the chance to learn in a supportive, hands-on environment. The mentorship component has been key, as our mentors not only teach toolmanship, but also build relationships that boost confidence and spark curiosity in our students.”

“The success of our pilot has been beyond our expectations.” ~ Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director

Due to the overwhelming demand and positive feedback from the community, Bendix Academy is preparing to expand its programming in 2025. The expansion will allow for a greater number of afterschool and homeschool students aged 12 – 18 to participate, with more opportunities for specialized training in areas such as woodworking, mechanical repair, and engineering concepts.

As Bendix Academy looks ahead to 2025, the organization remains committed to its core values of mentorship, practical learning, and community involvement. With continued support, the academy is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of its students.

Below: Learning how to do hard things requires mastering the basics then moving on. Below are two students experiencing the power of leverage when using tools to lift a car and divide wood.

Above: Lucy jacking up a car

Above: Max sawing board

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FOUNDER’S FORUM – Todd Trainor’s Vision for Bendix Academy’s Future

by bendixacademy | Nov 18, 2024 | Founder's Forum, Newsletter, Vol1 No1 2024 Fall

Todd Trainor, the passionate founder of Bendix Academy, has recently taken on a new role as the Program Director, stepping into an active leadership position to guide the academy into its next chapter. Having always been deeply committed to creating opportunities for youth to learn valuable hands-on skills, Todd’s excitement for this new role is palpable. He now leads efforts to expand and enhance the curriculum, as well as develop new programs designed to prepare the next generation for careers requiring toolmanship skills such as trades, maintenance, or engineering.

Since its inception, Bendix Academy has been dedicated to providing students, starting as early as age 12, with practical education in fields like auto mechanics, woodworking, electrical work, plumbing, and beyond. The academy’s mission is to equip students with the confidence and abilities they need to explore and succeed in trade professions—fields that are increasingly in demand in today’s economy. As Todd looks forward to this new chapter, he remains focused on the academy’s original vision while scaling its efforts to meet the growing demand.

“There’s so much excitement around where we’re heading. We’re working hard to meet our potential and looking forward to an amazing 2025!” ~ Todd Trainor

One of Todd’s primary objectives in his new role is to increase the academy’s capacity to serve more students from Brighton and surrounding communities. With more youth expressing a desire to learn about the skilled trades, and fewer programs available to fulfill that need, interest in learning toolmanship at the Academy is growing rapidly. This surge in demand is a driving force behind Todd’s efforts to expand the range of courses offered at Bendix Academy and create a more comprehensive learning experience.

“Not long ago, it was typical that young people learned toolmanship skills form their parents, like I did from my father in the 70’s. No grades or certifications, just passing it on. However, that has quietly declined over the years. Fortunately, our program has restored toolmanship mentoring. The community has discovered us, and demand is skyrocketing.”

Building out the curriculum is no small task, but Todd is committed to ensuring that Bendix Academy remains at the forefront of hands-on education. The academy has already developed many of the foundational courses, and the next step is to create additional core lessons and provide specialized elective opportunities, giving students a chance to hone specific skills that align with their interests and career goals.

By expanding the mentor pool, Todd aims to give each student personalized support as they navigate their learning journey.

Mentorship is another key aspect of Bendix Academy’s model, and Todd is working to recruit more skilled professionals and retirees to volunteer as mentors. These mentors provide invaluable guidance, sharing their industry expertise and helping to bridge the gap between education and the working world.

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BOARDROOM BRIEF – Welcoming Ray Krom as Bendix Academy’s New Board Chair

by bendixacademy | Nov 17, 2024 | Boardroom Brief, Newsletter, Vol1 No1 2024 Fall

Bendix Academy is excited to announce that Ray Krom will assume the role of Board Chair starting November 12, 2024. Ray brings a wealth of experience, both professionally and personally, that aligns perfectly with Bendix Academy’s mission of educating youth in the skilled trades. His leadership and deep understanding of technical fields will be instrumental as the academy continues to grow and serve the community.

Ray’s journey into engineering began with his education at Lawrence Technological University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1985. His career spans over five decades, where he has gained extensive experience in designing machine control systems, data acquisition, and software, with a particular focus on special machine tools and automated test equipment. Ray’s work as an electrical engineer took him across a variety of industries, providing him with a broad perspective and skill set that he has honed over the years.

From 1966 to 2001, Ray worked as an electrical engineer at various companies, where he was instrumental in the design and development of advanced machine control systems. After decades of success in the engineering world, Ray took a leap and founded Inotech, LLC in 2001. His work as a self-employed consultant further solidified his expertise in controls design, panel building, and control software development, particularly for automated test equipment.

His work as a self-employed consultant further solidified his expertise in controls design, panel building, and control software development, particularly for automated test equipment. Even after merging his company with a competitor in 2009, Ray continued to lead in similar roles until his semi-retirement in 2013 and full retirement in 2022.

In addition to his impressive career, Ray has been an active participant in extracurricular activities that speak to his leadership and organizational skills. A lifelong enthusiast of both aviation and sports car racing, Ray has held numerous leadership roles. He was actively involved in the local Corvette Club from 1968 to 2000, where he held various offices and competed in local and national racing events with great success.

Since 2002, Ray has also been a private pilot with an instrument rating, and he continues to fly regularly, accumulating about 100 hours annually. His involvement at the Brighton Airport, where he serves as a board member and treasurer, has further demonstrated his dedication to building communities and fostering growth.

Ray’s ability to balance technical expertise with leadership extends beyond his professional life. Since 2017, Ray has been the treasurer and administrator of the Brighton Flying Club, which he co-founded. His vision helped transform the club from a small group of 10 members with a single plane to an organization with 24 members and multiple aircraft. Under his leadership, the club has produced 12 new private pilots, with several more in the process of training.

Bendix Academy welcomes Ray Krom!

As Bendix Academy’s new Board Chair, Ray is eager to bring his unique blend of engineering acumen, leadership experience, and community-building efforts to further the academy’s goals.

His vision and experience will undoubtedly guide Bendix Academy as it continues to expand its reach and provide invaluable education to the next generation of skilled tradespeople. We are thrilled to welcome Ray Krom to this important role and look forward to the bright future ahead under his leadership.

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MENTORS’ MEASURE – Rodney Beckwith III Building Confidence and Skills for the Future

by bendixacademy | Nov 16, 2024 | Mentor's Measure, Newsletter, Vol1 No1 2024 Fall

At Bendix Academy, mentors are more than teachers—they’re the foundation of our mission to shape confident, capable, and resourceful young people. Through hands-on learning, our mentors equip students with technical skills while fostering problem-solving abilities and self-assurance that will serve them throughout life. One such mentor, Rodney Beckwith III, exemplifies this spirit of guidance and transformation.

Rodney has been a mentor at Bendix Academy for several years, and his passion for teaching has made him an invaluable member of our team. For Rodney, mentorship isn’t just about passing on technical know-how—it’s about preparing students for life.

“Serving as a mentor at Bendix gives me the opportunity to convey my life and career skills to young people. We are familiarizing them with many skills used both in the home and in professional trade positions.” ~Rodney Beckwith III

From carpentry to mechanics to electrical work, Rodney and other mentors help students build a foundation of practical knowledge that they can carry into their future careers—or use to become more self-reliant individuals. But the impact of mentorship extends far beyond the workshop. Rodney says one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is witnessing the growth in his students.

For many students, mastering these skills is transformative. It instills a belief in their own abilities and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Parents notice the difference, too, as their children mature and thrive through the program.

The rewards of mentorship extend to the mentors themselves.

“My payback in all of this? Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces as they learn new skills. I often say we do it for the smiles they display as they experience mechanical understanding of concepts they never knew existed. And, parents’ excitement in watching their child mature by experiencing Bendix’s toolmanship program.”

“Day after day here, I watch their confidence grow in so many ways. I witness the satisfaction they get with the hands-on problem solving our lessons provide.”

“The mentor is also gaining experiences and appreciation while providing these services for youth.”

“Being a part of Bendix Academy—training youth to become leaders for tomorrow—is very satisfying. It’s a privilege to contribute to the future.”

Rodney’s dedication to mentorship is rooted in a lifetime of service to youth. A scout leader for over 55 years, Rodney has seen firsthand how a little guidance can make a world of difference.

Rodney emphasizes that mentors don’t need to be experts in every subject—just individuals who are passionate about helping youth explore career possibilities and develop skills for life.

“Many youth just need a little help to see a beneficial career. Through our planned course materials, we give youth an experience in many areas of future occupation. We also model respect and the value of passing learned skills on to others.”

As Bendix Academy continues to grow, we are looking for new mentors who share Rodney’s commitment to making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson or simply someone with a passion for teaching and giving back to the community, we invite you to join us. If you have questions contact us at [email protected]. If already know that you would like to become a mentor, please submit the form below!

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