Caterpillar Promotes Workforce Development Through Global Competitions and Future Initiatives

### Caterpillar Champions Workforce Development Amidst Global Infrastructure Demands

Caterpillar Inc. hosts its inaugural global competitions, the Global Dealer Technician Challenge and the Global Operator Challenge, during the CONEXPO/CON-AGG event in Las Vegas. This landmark event showcases the company's dedication to developing skilled labor in the heavy machinery and construction sectors. Tom March from England captures the title of Global Dealer Technician Challenge champion, evidencing his prowess in diagnostic and problem-solving tasks fundamental to modern technical roles. Meanwhile, Brian Hayden from the United States earns recognition as the Global Operator Challenge Champion, further highlighting the essential skill sets required for operating heavy machinery effectively and safely.

With rising global infrastructure demands, Caterpillar's CEO, Joe Creed, articulates the critical need for a well-trained workforce in the industry. Creed points out that investing in technician and operator training is paramount for overcoming the challenges presented by an evolving market. While unveiling the winners, he emphasizes that by 2028, Cat dealers anticipate the necessity to recruit more than 38,000 technicians worldwide. This significant statistic underlines a pressing labor shortage, prompting Caterpillar to focus on fostering talent through initiatives that engage younger generations and promote skilled careers.

To tackle these industry challenges head-on, Caterpillar announces the "Building the Future Workforce Initiative," planned for launch in Spring 2026. This initiative aims to cultivate interest in skilled trades by equipping future technicians and operators with essential knowledge and abilities. Through competitions like these and ongoing workforce investments, Caterpillar reaffirms its mission of providing solutions that not only meet immediate customer needs but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the construction sector. By prioritizing workforce development, the company strengthens its role as a leader in addressing the complexities of a modern, robust infrastructure landscape.

In addition to celebrating individual achievements, the competitions spotlight the critical need for skilled personnel in Caterpillar's operations and those of its partners. With increasing demands for infrastructure improvements worldwide, ensuring a pipeline of qualified technicians is more vital than ever. Caterpillar’s commitment to training and development is an investment in the future, poised to support its growth and that of the entire industry.

Caterpillar’s initiatives reflect a broader recognition of the construction sector's evolving challenges and the importance of nurturing talent to meet these demands. The company’s efforts stand as an example of proactive measures in workforce development, encouraging a collaborative approach to address the industry’s skills gap.