By Todd Trainor, Founder and Program Director of Bendix Academy

There was a time—not long ago—when mechanical self-reliance was a defining trait of the American household.

Whether it was patching a roof, fixing a bicycle, or diagnosing a broken engine, people once carried a quiet confidence in their ability to solve practical problems with their own two hands. But somewhere along the way, that foundational skill began to slip away.

Today, we live in a culture that is increasingly dependent on specialists and disposable solutions.

 

The need for Mechanical Self-Reliance

At Bendix Academy, we are responding to that warning by restoring mechanical self-reliance as a cornerstone of independence, confidence, and character. Through our Toolmanship Mentoring program, students are taught by mentors who themselves are living examples of mechanical self-reliance. These are individuals with deep experience, practical wisdom, and a desire to give back. It’s not just what they know, it’s how they teach: with patience, precision, storytelling, and care.

Above: From shop class to hands-on learning, we need a Toolmanship Revival

“People once carried a quiet confidence in their ability to solve practical problems with their own two hands. But somewhere along the way, that foundational skill began to slip away.”

~Todd Trainor, Founder, Bendix Academy

We define toolmanship as the art and skill of using tools and being mechanically self-reliant. And our mentoring program is intentionally designed to nurture mechanical self-reliance in every student. This is not a lecture series or a vocational track—it’s hands-on learning rooted in real relationships. We pair students with mentors across generations, guiding them through a structured sequence of mechanical challenges building:

• confidence,
• skill,
• and critical thinking.​

Make no mistake: This is about more than tools!

Mechanical self-reliance is a mindset. It’s the ability to assess, understand, and act when something breaks, wears out, or needs to be improved. It builds discipline and perseverance. It helps young people become resourceful, grounded, and dependable. And most importantly, it positions them to help others.

One of the strongest values we uphold is this: Use your mechanical skills in service to your community. When our students learn to fix a neighbor’s snowblower, patch a friend’s fence, or volunteer to build a ramp for an elderly neighbor, they’re not just showing competence—they’re showing character. That’s the kind of citizen we aim to cultivate.

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Enjoy these Toolman Times
regular columns!

• Events
• Founder's Forum
• Mentor's Measure
• Family Focus
• Community Connection
• Toolman Tips
• Boardroom Brief
• Alumni Avenue
• Toolmen in Training
• Director's Desk
• Front Page
• Last Word

 

Book Bendix Academy for Your Next Event

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!