Telehandler manufacturers are joining a growing list of companies sponsoring the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)'s new program to introduce teens to careers in the construction industry.

Caterpillar, Gehl Company, Genie Industries, Gradall Industries Inc, JLG Industries Inc, Liebherr and Terex are all supporting AEM's Construction Challenge, initiated to position the construction industry as an attractive career choice for young people.

AEM marketing director Nicole Hallada says government initiatives have funded construction education and training programs geared towards adults, but career choices are generally formed earlier, often in the teenage years.

The program, Hallada says, will help teens learn about construction careers, construction equipment and the importance of the industry's contributions to quality infrastructure.

"With this program, AEM is helping set the stage for future workforce development by allowing teenagers to actively explore construction as a career option.

"We've done extensive research on our industry and its image. We found that more often than not, it has no image at all.

"It just wasn't on the radar screen for teens or their parents and other adults who can steer career choices," explains Hallada.

AEM is working with New Jersey-based Destination ImagiNation on the program which is a team-based event for high school students in grades 9 to12. Each team can have between five to seven members and is led by a volunteer adult (Forkliftaction.com News #300).

The teams compete in regional qualifying rallies with 60 regional teams advancing to the finals at AEM's CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008 trade show in Las Vegas from 11 to 15 March 2008.

Regional rallies will take place on 12 January 2008 in six US cities: San Francisco, Atlanta, Glassboro, Cincinnati, Dallas and Milwaukee.

The challenge has three components that include a debate, a hands-on task related to a construction solution and a science-fair type competition.

"We want to expose students to real world issues and want them to use teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills to develop real world solutions," says Hallada.

According to AEM, US government estimates put the total costs of infrastructure construction and repair at nearly USD1.6 trillion over a five-year period.

Check www.ConstructionChallenge.org for more details.
Email AEM's Stacy Wessel at swessel@aem.org to become a sponsor.