AEM Announces Winners in 'Construction Challenge' Student Competition

MILWAUKEE, June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Twelve student teams from the United States and Canada have won the 2010 AEM Construction Challenge presented by Volvo Construction Equipment during the Global Finals competition of Destination ImagiNation. The competition took place May 26-29 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

This year's AEM Construction Challenge asked each student team to build a device that effectively delivered construction materials over a barrier to targets they were unable to see, which required innovation, mathematics, and engineering and design skills.  

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) initiated the AEM Construction Challenge in 2007 as a response to the severe shortage of qualified workers to meet future construction needs. As a sign of its success, Volvo Construction Equipment signed on as presenting sponsor of the competition.

For more information and the complete list of winners, go online to www.aem.org in the News section/2010 news releases.

The AEM Construction Challenge offers a chance for students, teachers, parents and community leaders to learn more about the construction industry and the need for skilled employees to deal with infrastructure problems that include crumbling bridges, overcrowded roadways, and aging water and wastewater systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in the construction industry is projected to increase by 1.3 million jobs by 2018.

The AEM Construction Challenge is a creative problem-solving program that engages youth in a fun learning experience and exposes them to rewarding career possibilities in the construction industry. After the first year, nearly 70 percent of AEM Construction Challenge participants said they are now considering a career in construction.

SOURCE Association of Equipment Manufacturers