The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be more than 24,000 openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians each year, despite increasing efforts on the part of equipment manufacturers and dealers.
To combat this issue, and ensure a future pipeline of skilled workers, it is essential that manufacturers and dealers get involved with ag education programs like Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE 4 Learning).
“At the high school level, a lot of students don’t know what they want to do – but they’re starting to decide what they don’t want to do. We want to make sure that the door to agriculture equipment maintenance is left open, and that we promote a positive perception of the manufacturing industry,” said Director of CASE 4 Learning Carl Aakre.
CASE 4 Learning is an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education (NCAE), which provides best-in-class agriculture education materials for both students and teachers. The organization works alongside manufacturers and other ag industry groups to develop curriculum that prepares students for a career in the industry.
Aakre has worked with AEM for several years, engaging in the AEM Workforce Development Committee to gather industry input from industry stakeholders. From Case New Holland and Kubota to Lely Robotics and John Deere, a multitude of AEM members have been involved in CASE 4 Learning committees, alongside AEM and other industry groups.
To learn more or get involved with CASE 4 Learning, reach out to Carl Aakre at carl.aakre@case4learning.org, or visit https://www.case4learning.org/.
“During our development process, we ask our committee what core concepts they expect students to know about the industry, what students need to do to demonstrate competency, and then break it down further to assess what skills they need before starting a post-secondary program or apprenticeship,” said Aakre.
And as Baby Boomers retire en masse, it’s more important than ever to promote manufacturing careers at an early age and provide resources to prepare students for the shop floor. Equipment manufacturers and dealers alike are wondering how they will fill the positions that are left open by older generations, and it seems that one of the most effective solutions is to get involved with programs, like CASE 4 Learning, that cultivate the workforce of tomorrow.
“Companies must do their part to invest in learning opportunities and form partnerships with educational organizations at every level to equip the next generation of employees with the right skills to succeed,” said AEM Senior Vice President of People Strategy Julie Davis.
Courses such as Agricultural Equipment and Maintenance and Technology were developed in partnership with AEM member companies, and CASE 4 Learning is currently working on Automation and Robotics curriculum to keep up with ever-evolving industry needs.
“AEM member company participation in the formation of our curriculum makes all the difference, and there are so many opportunities for member groups from AEM to participate in the formation of our future curriculum,” said Aakre. “Next year we’ll be focusing on food production and safety, and we welcome the involvement of industry stakeholders.”
Ag education is a key part of building up the workforce of tomorrow. Equipment manufacturers must leverage partnerships with organizations like CASE 4 Learning and the National FFA Organization to ensure that there is a skilled workforce available to meet the needs of the industry.
For more information on the AEM Workforce Development Committee, or to get involved, contact AEM Senior Vice President of People Strategy Julie Davis at jdavis@aem.org.
