FutureForward at Washington Square's Diesel Program Receives AED Accreditation
The FutureForward Diesel Program at Bollman and Washington Square recently earned prestigious accreditation from the AED Foundation in 2026, marking a major milestone for technical education in Colorado. This partnership between 4Rivers Equipment and local schools ensures a steady pipeline of highly skilled technicians ready to support our customers' equipment and minimize downtime.
How Does This Accreditation Help Our Local Partners?
At 4Rivers Equipment, we know that your biggest challenge isn't just finding the right machine—it’s finding the right people to keep it running. The AED Foundation high school accreditation ensures that students are learning on industry-standard equipment with a curriculum that meets rigorous national benchmarks.
By supporting these programs, we are investing in a workforce that can hit the ground running. For our customers in construction and agriculture, this means more expert hands available to service your John Deere fleet, leading to faster repairs and more reliable support in the field.
Why Is the AED Foundation Accreditation a Game-Changer?
The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation is the gold standard for heavy equipment technical education. To earn this accreditation, the FutureForward program had to demonstrate excellence in facilities, curriculum, and instructor expertise.
Key benefits of the accredited Diesel Program include:
- Direct Dealer Pipelines: Students are connected directly with industry leaders like 4Rivers.
- National Standards: The curriculum is aligned with the specific skills needed to maintain modern, high-tech diesel engines.
- Skill Gap Solutions: Helps bridge the "technician shortage" by preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers before they even graduate.
What Skills Are These Future Technicians Learning?
We’ve seen firsthand the caliber of talent coming out of these classrooms. The FutureForward track starts as early as middle school and evolves into intense, hands-on training.
- Year 1: Mastery of mechanical basics and safety protocols.
- Year 2: Deep-dive motor rebuilds and advanced electrical system diagnostics.
- Year 3: Work-study placements where students gain real-world experience under the mentorship of veteran technicians.
Our CEO, John Shearer, often notes that these students are gaining "skills they will own for the rest of their lives." Whether they are rebuilding a 9RX engine or diagnosing a hydraulic issue, these students are the backbone of our future service departments.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and the Job Site
Marvin Lewis, Principal at FutureForward at Washington Square, emphasizes that this isn't an "alternative" path—it's a premier career choice. We agree. The heavy equipment industry requires sharp minds comfortable with both a wrench and a laptop.
By partnering with 4Rivers, students get to see the latest John Deere technology up close. We provide the industry support needed to ensure their "high-wage, high-demand" aspirations become a reality right here in our local communities.
Common Questions About the FutureForward Diesel Program (FAQ)
What is AED Foundation accreditation?
It is a formal recognition that a technical program meets the highest industry standards for diesel and heavy equipment repair education, facilitating a direct path from school to a dealership career.
How does this program benefit John Deere equipment owners?
Better-trained students lead to more qualified technicians entering the workforce. This ensures that when you bring your equipment to 4Rivers, it is handled by experts who have been trained on the latest diagnostic standards.
Can high school students start working at a dealership?
Yes! Through the FutureForward program’s third-year track, students can participate in part-time work with employers like 4Rivers to gain hands-on experience while completing their education.
Is a career in diesel technology in high demand?
Absolutely. There is currently a significant national shortage of skilled diesel technicians. Programs like this help fill that gap with highly qualified individuals ready for high-paying roles.
Interested in joining the next generation of technicians? [Learn more about our 4Rivers Equipment Career Paths] and how we support local technical education.
