It’s hard not to be laser focused on the job market and workforce woes these days, isn’t it? It’s a case of extremes from the long-standing need to seek and find ag equipment technicians to the recent contraction of the federal workforce across all sectors. So when a new article surfaced from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) on this white hot topic, it was too good not to share. Solid resources and relevant facts matter more than ever.

I’ve just returned from Washington, D.C. with a group of ag equipment dealers. Spring on the Hill is in full swing. Considering workforce development is one of a handful of top priorities for the ag equipment industry, AEM’s insightful article helps to continue to keep a spotlight on the issue of employment. Here, then, are some highlights from AEM’s news update, “CASE 4 Learning Partners with AEM Members to Shape the Future of Agricultural Education.”

Noteworthy was this fact: despite increasing efforts by manufacturers and dealers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be more than 24,000 openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians each year.

In its effort to tackle this harsh reality, AEM made its case for all hands on deck in working to ensure a future pipeline of skilled workers noting “it is essential that manufacturers and dealers get involved with ag education programs like Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE 4 Learning).”

The article offered commentary from Carl Aarke, director of CASE 4 Learning, who notably and for several years has worked with AEM engaging in its Workforce Development Committee to gather industry input from industry stakeholders. Excerpts are included here.

“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.” Aarke also said, “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.”

What is CASE 4 Learning? It was described as “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.”

CASE 4 Learning designs inquiry-based agricultural curriculum for middle and high school classrooms; offers lifetime certification, training and support for teachers; and prepares students for college and career readiness.

Having spent the past 6 months reaching out to dealers across the country to listen and learn about both their struggles and their solutions, it was good to read that manufacturers ranging from Case IH, 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.

Seeing collaboration in action is meaningful. And it matters as the industry and the next generation of workers each face strong headwinds from many directions in the coming year.

Champions accept challenges, and there are many taking action to address this one head on. One such leader on the forefront of the issue is Julie Davis, senior vice president of people strategy for AEM. Davis offers a consistent range of engaging presentations and resources.

Davis brings workforce leadership to AEM through her deep understanding of industry-specific workforce challenges and by connecting members with new and innovative workforce strategies through her work with educators, partner organizations and other industry thought leaders.

“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 Davis.

The progress report shared that Agricultural Equipment and Maintenance and Technology courses have been developed in partnership with AEM member companies. In addition, CASE 4 Learning is currently working on Automation and Robotics curriculum to keep up with the industry’s ever-evolving needs. This is big progress. And progress at any pace is still getting closer to filling the gap.

The bottom line, according to AEM and others working together: Ag education is a key part of building up the workforce of tomorrow.

AEM’s efforts focus on a clarion call to action. Yes, every dealer we talk with and listen to is trying their best and doing their part. Every manufacturer is working to address the gap. It is all helping. Yet, as Robert Frost wrote, there are “miles to go before we sleep.” AEM’s article ended with this thought and one I hope gains traction: 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.

Anyone wanting to learn more or get involved with CASE 4 Learning can reach out to Carl Aakre at carl.aakre@case4learning.org, or visit https://www.case4learning.org/. Additionally, persons interested in learning about or getting involved with AEM’s Workforce Development Committee are encouraged to contact AEM Senior Vice President of People Strategy Julie Davis at jdavis@aem.org.

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