Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced an investment in the key driver of its success for the next century and long-term growth: talent. As part of its centennial celebration, Caterpillar is committing $100 million over the next five years to help the future workforce acquire the necessary skills to leverage technology for meeting the demands of global markets amidst rapid worldwide digital transformation.
"We are delighted to celebrate Caterpillar's 100-year history with an investment that will empower the future workforce," said Jim Umpleby, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. "This investment reinforces our commitment to combining technology and human ingenuity to build a more resilient workforce. By working together, we can help realize a world where individuals are equipped with the skills and resources needed to leap forward."
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, the skills required to succeed in the global labor market are expected to undergo a profound transformation over the next five years. This shift will create 170 million new jobs. These technology-driven skills include Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, data analysis, digital twins, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine language, augmented reality, computer-aided design and modeling, robotics maintenance, alongside soft skills.
Jaime Mineart, Caterpillar's Chief Technology Officer and the sponsor of this investment, stated, "As an industry leader, Caterpillar understands the urgency of equipping the next generation with the capabilities needed for the jobs of the future. As Caterpillar's first investment of this kind, it demonstrates our efforts to collaborate with global partners in building best-in-class talent development solutions."
This investment builds upon Caterpillar's existing programs aimed at bridging the growing skills gap in manufacturing, including:
ThinkBIG: A paid, two-year training program for students to become technicians.
STEM Outreach Programs: Introduce students in primary and secondary education to diverse careers within manufacturing.
Caterpillar Global Dealer Technician Challenge: This event showcases how a career as an experienced technician leads to a high-tech, high-impact, and high-demand profession. The challenge aims to elevate public awareness of career advancement opportunities for technicians.
Throughout 2025, Caterpillar will continue to bring together key forces to drive future-oriented solutions and build upon existing accomplishments to further contribute to future workforce development.
Centennial Celebration
This year, Caterpillar is hosting celebrations across the globe through its Centennial World Tour, reflecting on its proud history and looking ahead to a promising future. In addition to Caterpillar's $100 million investment, the Caterpillar Foundation, the company's philanthropic organization, will make charitable donations to local nonprofit organizations at various tour stops, continuing the Foundation's far-reaching impact on community development and sustainability.
"Be it through Caterpillar's investment in the future of work or through employee volunteerism, our company culture is fundamentally committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work," said Asha Varghese, Caterpillar Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer. "Our sustained commitment to serving our communities helps foster environments where everyone can thrive."
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