To encourage young people to pursue trade and technical careers that are necessary to support the equipment rental industry, the American Rental Association (ARA) is teaming up with TechForce Foundation of Scottsdale, Arizona. They’re collaborating to dispel the old stereotype of “grease monkey” as they raise the profile of those who work in the industry – and whose skills are valued and direly needed.
TechForce Foundation is an educational nonprofit that has developed the FutureTech Success campaign, an industry-wide initiative to foster the next generation of workforce technicians. The aim is to inspire, support and connect middle-and high-school students and their influencers with the resources to support their technical education and career development.
“We are excited to announce ARA’s support of the FutureTech Success campaign, and proud to be named an association partner,” says Tony Conant, CEO of American Rental Association, which is based in Moline, Illinois. “The demand for skilled technicians to keep the equipment rental industry thriving has become increasingly dire.”
Conant adds that “ARA recognizes that this labor shortage is a significant issue for our members and the industry as a whole. Partnering with TechForce Foundation is one step that ARA is taking to address the growing concern and provide resources that our members can benefit from.”
Conant was joined by TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher at The Rental Show in New Orleans in addressing challenges that rental business operators face with finding people with tactile skills and the technical training to build, diagnose and maintain various types of equipment in the industry.
“Having ARA on board as an association partner with TechForce Foundation in the FutureTech Success campaign helps us reach a new audience and opens up opportunities for us to assist an additional segment of the industry,” says Maher. “There is power in numbers and the more companies and organizations that join in our cause and help share the message, the increased likelihood for success,” she says.
