Caterpillar pledges $100 million to prepare workforce for the future

As Caterpillar Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company has announced a $100 million pledge over the next five years to support workforce development. This investment aims to equip future workers with essential skills needed for technology-driven jobs in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby emphasized the company’s commitment to aligning human potential with technological advancement, stating that empowering individuals with relevant skills is essential to building a resilient workforce.

The initiative reflects findings from the Future of Jobs Report 2025, which projects 170 million new roles globally over the next five years, requiring capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics, and digital modeling. Caterpillar’s pledge will help address the skills gap through a variety of educational and training efforts, including:

- ThinkBIG, a two-year program that supports students training to become technicians
- STEM outreach programs for K-12 students
- The Global Dealer Technician Challenge, which raises awareness about careers in technical fields

Caterpillar Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart described the pledge as the company’s first of its kind, reinforcing Caterpillar’s leadership in workforce development.

In parallel with this investment, Caterpillar is also celebrating its centennial through a world tour and community engagement. The Caterpillar Foundation will be making charitable contributions at each tour stop, continuing its support of local nonprofits and sustainability initiatives.