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

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

by | 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.”

Todd Trainor, Founder, Bendix Academy

“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

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

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

Todd Trainor, Founder, Bendix Academy

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

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

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

Bendix Academy Board Chair, Ray Krom

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.

Ray's airplane

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.

Bendix Academy Boardroom 2025

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

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

by | 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 toolmen@bendixacademy.org. If already know that you would like to become a mentor, please submit the form below!

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TOOLMEN in TRAINING – Christopher’s own words

TOOLMEN in TRAINING – Christopher’s own words

by | Nov 16, 2024 | Newsletter, Toolmen in Training, Vol1 No1 2024 Fall

The Importance of Toolmanship

Written by Christopher, Bendix Academy Student

My name is Christopher, and I have been attending Bendix Academy for the last two years, learning many new skills and talents that have helped me work towards my goal of becoming an engineer.

I believe that learning toolmanship can be very important for finding a future career, gaining important skills, and learning new hobbies.

Many aspects of our lives today depend on technology and infrastructure that relies on people working in engineering fields and the trades. This creates a demand for many talented and skilled engineers, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and repairmen.

The many different lessons that I have taken at Bendix Academy have been a major influence toward my desire to learn engineering, due to the hands-on experience that I have gained. 

The variety of engineering related lessons that I have learned include topics such as basic tools, disassembling and reassembling a simple engine, and taking apart various mechanisms from a car. Additionally, the toolmanship based lessons of Bendix Academy cover other skills that are important for the trades, such as plumbing and household electricity.  The hands-on experience is also great for learning how to apply these learned skills to the real world. All the different categories of lessons covered at Bendix Academy can be great for anyone who wants to discover or experience a potential career for their future.

Not everyone who wants to learn toolmanship has to have an interest in an engineering field or the trades. It can be very beneficial to learn how to use different tools and figure out how things work in order to repair, maintain, or start a project.

For example, knowing the skills that come from toolmanship can help with repairing a broken appliance, unclogging a sink, or wiring a new outlet. Being able to accomplish such tasks without having to hire someone else to do the work can help save time and money while growing one’s character through the skills that are learned. Using the skills of toolmanship can not only help increase one’s own self-reliance but also grants the ability to help others in need who don’t have the skills to accomplish such tasks.

Getting into new hobbies is another thing that can be gained from toolmanship. Learning the necessary skills used for different tools and machinery can open the doors to many new potential hobbies that can be discovered.

A new hobby that I have picked up during my time at Bendix Academy has been woodworking, which involves creating trinkets such as bowls on a wood lathe. Other skills that could be learned as the result of toolmanship could include metalworking or refurbishing items using different tools and machinery. The use of different equipment does not only have to be used to repair or fabricate objects but can be used to express creativity and develop one’s personality.

In today’s world I believe that learning the skills that come from toolmanship can be very beneficial to not only people in engineering or the trades but to anyone who wants to have a greater self-reliance. 

This is because the influence from a program like Bendix Academy can help people find a potential future career, gain important skills that will come in handy later in life, and help people discover new and interesting hobbies. What I have learned from Bendix Academy has helped me become a better person and attain the necessary skills to help others in certain situations, which I believe can help other people develop a better character.

Bendix Academy thanks you, Christopher, for sharing your experience with us!

Please contact us at toolmen@bendixacademy.org for any questions,
or click below to submit an application to become a student!

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Where’s Evan in the workshop?

Where’s Evan in the workshop?

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Last Word, Newsletter, Vol1 No1 2024 Fall

Bendix Academy – Inspiring Tomorrow’s Toolmen Today!

We love visitors of all ages, especially aspiring toolmen like Evan!  While he’s a little young (we currently accept students aged 12  and up), he’s already looking forward to growing his knowledge about toolmanship.

We’re thrilled to announce the success of our pilot program and the exciting journey ahead as we gear up for full-time operation in 2025, beginning with the first issue of our quarterly newsletter, Toolmen Times. Stay in touch with our progress by joining our mailing list by clicking the link below. You’ll get news and info about our growing programs, and be the first to know about events and open houses!

Sign me up for Toolmen Times!

See Bendix Academy in Action

A picture speaks a thousand words, but a visit is priceless.  Bendix Academy invites everyone with interest to email toolmen@bendixacademy.org or call us at 810-599-4035 to schedule a tour (no walk-ins please) and see why we’re growing.

You’ll experience the impact firsthand!

Support the Next Generation

Want to make a difference?  Just $5/month can help a student discover a lifetime of skills. Just click on the red button to support with your donation of any amount. Every contribution counts!

 

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Join us in shaping Tomorrow’s Toolmen Today!

WE ARE BUILDING a place for generations to explore, teach, and learn the mechanical world together, creating Tomorrow’s Toolmen Today.

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Bring the inspiring mission of Bendix Academy to your organization or group! Todd Trainor and Wendy Zielen offer engaging presentations on "Tomorrow's Toolment Today," blending stories of mentorship, mechanical skills, and community impact. Whether you’re reminiscing about shop class or exploring how to empower the next generation, their talks spark connections and inspire action. Perfect for schools, community groups, professional organizations, and more.

 

Contact us today to book your session and join the revival!

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