Students participating in the 2011 AEM Construction Challenge held at the University of Tennessee.

Fourteen student teams from the US and Canada have won the 2011 AEM Construction Challenge that took place on 25-28 May at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and Destination ImagiNation (DI) developed the competition to engage students through hands-on experience that introduces them to construction careers like engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals.

This year's challenge was titled "Unidentified Moving Object" and teams had to design and build equipment that moved materials to and from heights; start and end their presentations with the equipment contained in a storage box; create and present a sales promotion highlighting the equipment's features and complete all of the tasks with no AC electrical power.

"What an amazing experience ... It was a glimpse of what the future of our industry can be and what we hope it will be," says Paul Parker, senior marketing specialist with event sponsor Volvo Construction Equipment.

AEM initiated the Construction Challenge program to offer students, teachers, parents and community leaders an opportunity to learn more about the important role of construction equipment in creating and maintaining the quality of life enjoyed in North America and Europe and parts of the developing world.

"Through the AEM Construction Challenge, students can experience jobs that are in high demand like repair technician, equipment operator and design engineers," says Al Cervero, AEM senior vice president.

He adds that the students' interest is piqued when they see how modern the technology is. "After they understand that these careers can improve our quality of life and pay well, they get passionate about working in the industry, and that's how we know we've made an impact."

Besides the annual Construction Challenge, AEM also conducts a challenge program at the triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE international trade exhibitions.

The first place teams are: 


Elementary Level - (tie) Kimberly Elementary School in Redlands, California and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Houston, Texas


Middle Level - Orono Middle School in Orono, Maine


Secondary Level - (tie) Lanesville High School in Lanesville, Indiana and Cherry Creek School District in Aurora, Colorado


University Level - University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Click here for more information about the AEM Construction Challenge program. Click here for the event's Facebook page.