By Russ Green, WB Global Services, Youth Industry Engagement Council Chair —
Creating a ship in a bottle looks impossible from the outside. How can something so intricate be assembled through such a narrow neck? But those who know the craft understand the secret: precision, patience, and one defining moment — the pull of the string. With that single motion, the ship’s masts rise, the sails unfurl, and every element comes to life exactly as intended.
That same moment of coordination and purpose is what AEM is creating through its Youth Industry Engagement Council — uniting industry partners to “pull the string” that brings the next generation of workers to life within our industry.
A Shared Industry Mission
AEM is proud to represent more than 1,100 member companies across agriculture, construction, forestry, utility, and mining — an industry that supports 2.3 million jobs in all fifty states and contributes $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Behind those numbers are the people who build, service, design, market, and support the machines that keep the world moving. From product specialists and technical managers to sustainability directors and policy experts, the equipment manufacturing industry offers diverse, meaningful, and forward-looking careers.
Yet, like many industries, we face a growing challenge: attracting and preparing the next generation of talent. The Youth Industry Engagement Council was created to meet that challenge head-on — to make sure our “ship” doesn’t just stay afloat but sails powerfully into the future.
Want to get involved in AEM's Youth Industry Engagement Council? Reach out to Trevor Calewart at tcalewart@aem.org.
The Council: Building the Framework
The Youth Industry Engagement Council brings together individuals from AEM member companies who share a common goal: to engage with and promote youth organizations that are preparing tomorrow's workforce. “The council helps drive AEM’s workforce development efforts by shaping how the association engages with and supports a range of youth-focused organizations on behalf of the industry.”
The council’s work is built around three guiding pillars that together form the framework of this coordinated effort — the beams, masts, and sails of our metaphorical ship.
Pillar One: Enhance Organizational Engagement
Every strong structure begins with a solid foundation. For our industry, that foundation is the relationships we build — with schools, trade programs, and youth organizations.
This first pillar focuses on leveraging relationships and resources to strengthen recruiting and training pathways for skilled technicians and other industry roles. It encourages companies to engage locally, regionally, and nationally — whether that means hosting a student tour, partnering with an FFA chapter, sponsoring a Make 48 event, or mentoring through a technical college.
Each connection, no matter how small, helps young people see the scale and sophistication of the equipment manufacturing industry. These are the moments that spark curiosity and pride — and plant the seeds for lifelong careers.
Pillar Two: Expand Industry Engagement
Even the most well-built ship won’t sail without a crew. This second pillar challenges AEM member companies to join or deepen their involvement with youth organizations — to share their people, expertise, and stories.
By increasing participation, we can broaden the industry’s visibility and reshape perceptions of what it means to work in manufacturing. Today’s equipment industry is defined by automation, precision technology, data analytics, and sustainability, which is vastly different from the outdated stereotypes that too often surround it.
When industry members show up — at career fairs, student competitions, classroom visits, or local events — we show the next generation that our work is modern, technical, innovative, and essential. Every new participant adds strength to the collective effort and helps the industry “pull together.”
Pillar Three: Foster Youth Development
The final pillar focuses on the very heart of the mission: the students themselves. The council works to expose younger generations to opportunities in agriculture, construction, forestry, utility, and mining while helping educators bring industry relevance into the classroom.
By promoting technology and innovation, we help remove the traditional barriers that limit young people's view of our sector. Through partnerships, company volunteers, and access to AEM’s network, educators can tap into real-world examples, guest speakers, and curriculum support that connect academic learning to practical, exciting careers.
These engagements are where interest becomes intent. When a student meets a technician who maintains advanced GPS systems or a designer working on autonomous equipment, the abstract becomes tangible — and their imagination takes over.
The Opportunity for AEM Members
The Youth Industry Engagement Council exists for one purpose: to make it easier for every AEM member company to play a role in shaping the future workforce.
Whether you already work with youth programs or are looking for a place to start, the council provides tools, introductions, and best practices to help you connect with schools, educators, and youth organizations that align with your company’s goals.
The effort doesn’t require a large budget — just commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to invest a little time. From supporting a local SkillsUSA competition to hosting an AFA student at your facility, every engagement helps strengthen the pipeline that sustains our industry.
Pulling the String — Together
Building a ship in a bottle requires foresight and care. Each part — every mast, sail, and spar — must be built individually before they all come together inside the glass. But when the builder pulls the string, everything aligns, and the ship stands proudly, complete and ready for its journey.
That’s what AEM’s Youth Industry Engagement Council is doing for our industry — connecting the individual efforts of hundreds of companies into one shared mission.
When we work together, coordinate our energy, and pull the string as one, we bring to life something greater than any single effort could achieve: a future workforce that is skilled, motivated, and ready to carry our industry forward.
The pieces are in place. The string is waiting. It’s time for all of us to pull together.
