What's Happening?
Premier Equipment, the largest used CNC machine dealer in the U.S., has awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Gavin Sankar, a mechanical engineering student at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. This scholarship is part
of Premier Equipment's initiative to address the skilled labor shortage in American manufacturing by investing in the education of future machinists and engineers. The scholarship program, now in its second year, targets students pursuing careers in manufacturing, machining, and engineering fields. Sankar was selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on his interest in manufacturing technology and a personal essay detailing his career aspirations. His coursework focuses on mechanical engineering, skills directly applicable to CNC machining and modern manufacturing operations.
Why It's Important?
The scholarship highlights the ongoing challenge of a skilled trades gap in the U.S. manufacturing sector. Industry reports suggest that nearly 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 due to retirements and insufficient new workforce entrants. By supporting students like Gavin Sankar, Premier Equipment aims to ensure a steady influx of qualified professionals into the industry, which is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of American manufacturing. This initiative not only aids individual students but also serves as a strategic investment in the industry's future, potentially mitigating the impact of the skilled labor shortage.
What's Next?
Applications for the 2026 Premier Equipment CNC Scholarship will open in February 2026. Students enrolled in manufacturing, machining, mechanical engineering, or related technical programs at accredited institutions are encouraged to apply. This continued support for education in the manufacturing sector is expected to help bridge the skills gap and ensure that the industry has access to a well-trained workforce in the coming years.
