AEM Launches 2009 Construction Challenge

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This group from Oak Ridge High School advanced to the finals in Las Vegas last year. Photo provided by AEM/AP. Photo by Wilford Harewood

January 14, 2009 â€“ High school students across the country again have the opportunity to learn about construction careers through the Association of Equipment Manufacturersâ€™ (AEM) Construction Challenge teen competition. The AEM Construction Challenge, a creative problem solving program in its second year, is introducing students across the country to the skills they could be use in future construction careers.

On Feb. 7, 2009, more than 230 student teams will participate in 15 regional qualifying rallies designed to engage teens through a hands-on, educational experience and to introduce them to careers as engineers, equipment technicians and manufacturing professionals.

AEM sponsors the Construction Challenge in partnership with the Destination ImagiNation nonprofit organization. The Challenge offers an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and community leaders to learn more about available industry careers and the importance of off-road equipment.

The Feb. 7 regional rallies are scheduled for Atlanta, Ga., Boston, Mass., Chicago, Ill., Cincinnati, Ohio, Dallas, Texas, Denver, Colo., Kansas City, Mo., Milwaukee, Wis., Minneapolis, Minn., Enid, Okla., Philadelphia, Pa., Phoenix, Ariz., Sacramento, Calif., Seattle, Wash., and Toronto, Ontario.

â€œThe Construction Challenge was created as a platform to educate students and the public about rewarding, interesting and lucrative career opportunities,â€ said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. â€œWe want to attract even more young people to help solve our problems with innovative and creative ideas. While our nationâ€™s leaders are planning for the creation of millions of jobs, we are focused on what we can do to help develop this growing skilled workforce.â€

Students who participate in the Construction Challenge rallies will learn about careers related to the equipment manufacturing industry, which includes more than 2,000 companies manufacturing, selling or operating equipment.

â€œThe success of the stimulus package, the rebuilding of our infrastructure and the training of millions of workers will be directly related to the success of future generations of Americans,â€ said Slater. â€œThe Construction Challenge is one way our industry is helping prepare and invest in that future. We also hope everyone has a little fun and gets inspired along the way.â€

For more information about the Construction Challenge, visit www.constructionchallenge.org. For more information on the regional qualifying competition locations and contacts, click on the siteâ€™s Regional Rally button at top of home page and then Rally Sites.