Episode Details

In this episode of Global Economic Press, Alex Brady explores the intersection of manufacturing and education, focusing on Premier Equipment's efforts to address the skilled labor shortage in American manufacturing. The episode highlights Premier Equipment's initiative to invest in the next generation of engineers and machinists through their scholarship program. This year, Gavin Sankar, a mechanical engineering student at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, was awarded the 2025 Premier Equipment Computer Numerical Control Scholarship, receiving $2,000 to support his education. The scholarship program, now in its second year, aims to encourage students pursuing careers in manufacturing, machining, and engineering fields, addressing the critical need for skilled labor in the industry.

Premier Equipment, the largest used Computer Numerical Control machine dealer in the United States, recognizes the pressing challenge of the skilled trades gap, with nearly 2.1 million manufacturing jobs potentially going unfilled by 2030. By investing in educational initiatives, the company hopes to reverse this trend and ensure the survival of the industry. Tom Kohm, Chief Executive Officer of Premier Equipment, emphasizes the importance of supporting students like Gavin Sankar, who demonstrate a strong commitment to mechanical engineering and hands-on problem-solving. Applications for the 2026 Premier Equipment Computer Numerical Control Scholarship will open in February 2026, inviting students enrolled in relevant technical programs to apply. For more information, visit Premier Equipment's website at https://premierequipment.com.