Pit & Quarry, February 2011

CoUnTDown ment Services are 2011 regional rally sponsors We are very excited that sponsors such as these Volvo dealers and stores are taking part in this opportunity to educate and engage young people in construction careers says Dennis Slater AEM president Cat too Caterpillar Inc is sponsoring four of the nine regional rallies Caterpillar is proud to support AEMs Construction Challenge again this year says Tana Utley chief technology officer of Caterpillar Inc The 2011 projects transportation and water infrastructure development will introduce students to many of the issues our industry faces as we endeavor to improve quality of life in global communities What better way to get young people excited about the opportunities that exist in construction and engineering than to provide them with hands on experience she says The 2011 Construction Challenge is shaping up to be the best yet and we are looking forward to its return Representatives from AEM and sponsoring organizations cut the ribbon to mark the official start of ConExpo Con Agg 2008 and the co located IFPE show to ConExpo Con Agg Slater says There is not a better place for these students to learn about the scope and importance of the construction industry to the economic health of the U S economy Caterpillars sponsorship helps ensure that the Challenge program will continue to introduce thousands of young people to construction career opportunities Despite recent job losses the construction sector still faces a severe shortage of qualified workers to meet future needs including massive infrastructure repair and maintenance The U S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction industry needs to attract 240000 workers each year to replace those leaving the industry and to allow for growth By 2020 manufacturing overall faces a skilled worker shortage of 13 to 15 million with no growth in the 18 to 26 year old age group Since its inception the AEM Construction Challenge has directly engaged more than 10000 middle and high school students across North America and the program and its messages have made an impression on more than 18 million students on a global level Nearly 70 percent of Challenge participants said they are now considering a construction career For the Challenge AEM partners with the global creativity organization Destination ImagiNation known for programs that foster creative problem solving through hands on teamwork A construction themed program is an integral part of Destination ImagiNations core program culminating in a yearly global finals competition The triennial ConExpo Con Agg exposition hosts a special edition of the AEM Construction Challenge in show years to provide students with even more exposure to the construction industry AEM is show producer and a show owner For more information about the Construction Challenge visit constructionchallenge org For more information about ConExpo ConAgg or to register for the show visit conexpoconagg com PQ 28 PIT QUARRY February 2011 www pitandquarry com