Caterpillar has revealed a $100 million investment to train its future workforce. The machinery manufacturer said the five-year initiative aims to develop workers’ technological skills as the industry undergoes a digital transformation.
170 Million New Jobs
The company cited this year’s Future of Jobs Report, which predicted that the transformation would create 170 million jobs. The report added that new workers will need skillsets for automation, artificial intelligence, digital twins, data analytics, machine language, Internet of Things, computer-aid modeling and design, robotics maintenance, and augmented reality.
Caterpillar CEO and Chairman Jim Umpleby said the investment would blend human creativity and technology to create a resilient workforce.
100 Years
The investment coincides with Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the company announced a world tour that plans to make donations to nonprofits at each stop.
Closing the Skills Gap
Caterpillar’s latest investment adds to its ongoing efforts to close the manufacturing skills gap. These include ThinkBIG, a program offering paid technician training for students; the Global Dealer Technician Challenge, highlighting the importance of technician roles; and STEM outreach programs introducing manufacturing careers to K-12 students.
Image credit: Caterpillar Inc.
