The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has developed a youth-oriented critical thinking and creative problem-solving competition in partnership with Destination ImagiNation Inc.

An AEM statement said the National Construction Challenge would help attract "the best and the brightest" young people into the construction industry.

"The construction industry faces a continuing shortage of skilled workers. The average age of workers in the industry is 52 years old," the statement said.

About 60 teams of high school students will participate in a "dialogue" segment on infrastructure awareness, a "product development" segment on construction-related jobs awareness and a "road warrior" segment on construction equipment and manufacturing.

AEM wants member companies and industry members to sponsor the teams. Sponsorships cover the cost of team participation, including travel expenses, hotel accommodation and team apparel.

Sponsors would receive promotion opportunities related to the challenge, the statement said.

The National Construction Challenge has six regional events in January 2008. Winning teams qualify to participate in the National Construction Challenge finals during the AEM-organised CONEXPO-CON/AGG exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March 2008.

AEM's other workforce development efforts include the Construct My Future educational website (www.constructmyfuture.com) and scholarship program.

Telehandler and truck-mounted forklift manufacturers are among AEM's members.

Destination ImagiNation Inc is a non-profit New Jersey-based organisation that provides creative problem solving and critical thinking skills programs.