Transfr and AED Foundation partner to expand VR training for diesel and equipment industry careers

The partnership brings immersive virtual training into classrooms to prepare students for industry-aligned jobs

Transfr, a workforce education company specializing in virtual reality (VR) simulations, has announced a new partnership with the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF), the workforce development arm of the AED trade association.

The initiative aims to address long-standing labor shortages across the equipment and diesel technology sectors by integrating industry-aligned training into classrooms and community programs.

AED represents more than 700 distributors, manufacturers, and service providers across the $850 billion equipment industry. Through its foundation, AED develops workforce initiatives and accredits diesel-equipment training programs across the U.S.

New classroom-to-career platform supports VR training and recruitment

At the core of the partnership is the rollout of a workforce development toolkit combining Transfr’s immersive training technology with AEDF curriculum standards. Through the initiative, students and job seekers will access over 330 interactive VR simulations aligned to 16 career clusters. These tools allow learners to explore and train for careers in equipment operation, diesel maintenance, and other high-demand technical fields.

“Transfr is committed to industry partnerships that match employers’ workforce challenges with the need for enhanced classroom-to-career pathways for more Americans,” said Bharani Rajakumar, founder and chief executive officer of Transfr. “Through our work with the AED Foundation, we are fulfilling that mission by helping train a new generation of professionals to build the future of the equipment industry. Now, more than ever this type of collaboration is critical for creating economic opportunity and business growth on a national, regional, and local level.”

The toolkit will allow education and training providers to offer hands-on instruction without the need for costly or difficult-to-maintain physical equipment. Employers will benefit from access to candidates who have been assessed against AED-recognized standards and prepared using role-specific simulations.

Alignment with employer needs and industry standards

For the AED Foundation, the collaboration supports its goal of modernizing how industry recruits and trains technical workers.

“As we witness the evolution of the equipment industry, our partnership with Transfr represents a pivotal step in redefining the way we approach training and recruitment,” said Sean Fitzgerrel, vice president of the AED Foundation. “This innovative program will empower businesses to thrive, ensuring our workforce is both skilled and safe, while setting new industry standards for excellence.”

The program builds on Transfr’s broader classroom-to-career platform, which connects education institutions, workforce programs, and community organizations with employers.