A new brief from Association of Equipment Manufacturers says equipment manufacturers are taking new approaches to workforce development as the industry continues to face labor and technician shortages.
According to insights shared by AEM’s Workforce Development Committee, companies are placing greater focus on recruiting and retaining younger workers while also building long-term technician pipelines through education partnerships and training programs.
AEM noted that younger workers are increasingly evaluating employers based on factors beyond pay and advancement opportunities, including company values, communication and work-life balance. Manufacturers are also relying more on employee storytelling and digital branding to help attract talent.
The organization also highlighted efforts to introduce students to equipment careers earlier through programs such as CASE 4 Learning, which helps middle and high school students develop skills related to diagnostics, safety, schematics and equipment maintenance.
AEM said partnerships among manufacturers, dealers, schools and industry organizations are helping connect classroom training with real-world equipment and construction careers while also preparing students for future technologies such as robotics, automation and AI.
