AEM Issues Creative Construction Challenge

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has announced the formation of the National Construction Challenge, a youth-oriented critical thinking and creative problem-solving competition that AEM has developed in partnership with Destination ImagiNation Inc.

The National Construction Challenge is part of AEM’s efforts to attract the best and brightest young people into the construction industry in professions ranging from manufacturing to in-the-field careers. The challenge will focus on three areas: awareness of construction-related jobs, construction and equipment manufacturing and infrastructure awareness.

The AEM is urging member companies as well as others in the construction industry to sponsor teams of high school students to participate in the challenge finals. Sponsorships help defray the cost of participation, including travel expenses, accommodations and team apparel. Teams consist of five to seven students. Each sponsor receives promotion opportunities related to the challenge.

The construction industry faces a continuing shortage of skilled workers to manufacture, maintain and operate today’s technologically sophisticated construction equipment. The AEM cites data that the average age of workers in the industry is 52 years old, with their pending retirements reducing the talent pool at the same time as the industry is predicted to add 1 million jobs by the year 2012.

The AEM National Construction Challenge includes six regional events to be held across the United States in January 2008. Winning teams qualify to participate in the finals, which will be held in March 2008 during ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas.