Investing in the Future: How the AEC is Tackling Workforce Development with Apprenticeship Programs

Episode Summary: 

In this episode of SHAPEMAKERS, host Bennett McEvoy, President of Western Extrusions and AEC Board Member, is joined by Duncan Crowdis, former CEO of Bonnell Aluminum and AEC Workforce Development lead. Together, they shine a light on the aluminum extrusion industry's growing need for skilled talent—and what the Council is doing about it. 

With over 175 extrusion plants operating across 37 states, the industry supports more than 40,000 U.S. jobs. But as experienced workers retire and demand for aluminum products rises, attracting and training the next generation of skilled professionals has become mission-critical. 

Bennett and Duncan dive into the AEC's multi-year effort to launch industry-wide apprenticeship programs—starting with maintenance technicians and expanding to extrusion press operators and die technicians, two of the industry's most essential roles. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the AEC collaborated with the U.S. Department of Labor, developed tailored training programs, and is now preparing to launch a Train-the-Trainer initiative in 2026. 

What You'll Learn: 

• Why aluminum extrusions are everywhere—even if you don't always see them 

• The crucial role of skilled maintenance workers and press operators 

• How apprenticeship programs are helping to future-proof the extrusion workforce 

• What's ahead for the AEC's Train-the-Trainer initiative 

• How companies can get involved right now 

Resources & Links: 

•   Learn more about the AEC Apprenticeship Program: www.AEC.org 

•   Contact the AEC about workforce development: info@aec.org 

•   Want to join the extrusion industry? Explore career opportunities and resources on the AEC website