DIRECTOR’S DESK – Hammering a Happy New Year at Bendix Academy!
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.
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!
Read more articles like this in the most recent issue of Winter 2025 edition of Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter, Toolman Tips Vol 1, No 2, hot off the press!
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