With more than $200,000 raised to date toward its $325,000 goal, the PTDA Foundation is making strong strides in its commitment to workforce development in 2025. As the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry faces a growing demand for skilled talent, the Foundation continues to support both future and current professionals through target programs.
From talent cultivation and career promotion to leadership recognition, this year’s efforts reflect a strategic focus on strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals and elevating the visibility of careers in the field. Key accomplishments so far in 2025 include:
- The second year of the scholarship program offers a total of $25,000 in scholarship funds. This includes five $3,000 scholarships for students and four $2,500 scholarships for current PT/MC employees, which will be distributed to assist with their studies in a PT/MC-related program. Applications are open through June 1.
- The Start Your Career. Move the World. campaign was created to increase awareness of career opportunities in the PT/MC industry. It features a versatile marketing toolkit with ready-to-use, customizable promotional pieces, including posters, postcards, eblasts and social media templates. It is designed to help employers and industry leaders effectively showcase the dynamic and opportunity-filled nature of careers in the PT/MC sector.
- The honoring of Cindy Russell, Continental, as the 2024 Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award recipient and Joe Glandorf, Continental, as the 2024 Robert K. Callahan Advancing Leaders Award honoree. Both awards celebrate individuals who, driven by their passion, are shaping the future of the PT/MC industry through innovation, leadership and dedication. Nominations for the 2025 awards are open through June 13.
Additional tools and resources to assist in hiring and retention can be found at PTDAFoundation.org. Together, these tools help employers stay informed and responsive in a shifting talent landscape.
The PTDA Foundation, whose work is funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982 to champion education, outreach and research initiatives relevant to the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry that enhance the knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity for industry stakeholders. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation; contributions are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by law.
