Global Lifting Awareness Day spotlights urgent skills gap with new LEEA survey and industry storytelling
Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD), themed ‘Lifting Careers, Building Futures,’ aims to tackle the pressing skills shortages afflicting the lifting industry while promoting initiatives that attract new talent. Scheduled for 12 June, this annual event serves as a catalyst to inspire the next generation to consider careers within the lifting sector.
At the heart of GLAD, the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is set to unveil the insights gathered from its ‘State of the Lifting Industry’ survey. This revelation is crucial as it directly addresses the recruitment challenges facing the sector. LEEA has encouraged its members and industry stakeholders to contribute personal experiences through short videos or interviews, showcasing their efforts in bridging the skills gap. By sharing these narratives, LEEA intends not only to highlight existing initiatives but also to foster a community-driven approach to recruitment challenges and skill development.
Engaging with this initiative, organisations are invited to produce up to one-minute videos that cover various aspects, such as entry points into the lifting industry or strategies to assist newcomers. This direct engagement encourages industries to open their doors to schools and local groups, illustrating the realities of careers in lifting. Such outreach could prove essential in demystifying the profession and illustrating its importance.
This push for engagement is not merely an exercise in storytelling but a vital step in combating a significant labour crisis. According to estimations cited by various industry experts, including insights shared by both Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, and Mike Close, Mazzella's Corporate Marketing & Communications Manager, there is a growing concern about the long-term viability of the lifting sector in the face of declining skills availability. The podcast featuring these leaders illuminates how industry-wide collaborative efforts can alleviate this talent void, emphasising proactive recruitment strategies and robust talent development mechanisms.
Broader discussions around skills shortages are echoed across various segments of the manufacturing industry. For example, a 2021 study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute forecasts that the U.S. workforce could see 2.1 million unfilled positions by 2030, with potentially dire economic repercussions, costing around $1 trillion in GDP. Similar findings reveal that the merging challenges of an ageing workforce, digital transformation, and post-pandemic shifts in job retention are common threads in discussions about operational dynamics and employee stock levels across multiple industries.
In addition to traditional recruitment methods, innovative solutions leveraging technology are gaining traction. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated within sectors such as construction and manufacturing, proving instrumental in staff training and onboarding. AI-driven tools providing real-time support are helping bridge the skills divide by allowing less experienced workers to quickly acquire the necessary skills to contribute effectively. By simplifying complex data analysis and delivering just-in-time coaching, such technologies facilitate immediate application of knowledge, thereby enhancing overall productivity.
Moreover, a recent survey by The Harris Poll, commissioned by Express Employment Professionals, revealed a trend among hiring managers preferring skill development over raw recruitment. With 70% of managers indicating a commitment to reskilling current employees, it is evident that organisations are increasingly recognising the value of nurturing in-house talent. This strategy not only mitigates the immediate skills gap but also promotes workforce loyalty and retention.
As GLAD sets its sights on engaging the lifting community, the collective participation of stakeholders is vital. The day embodies an opportunity for organisations to shine a spotlight on their contributions and share success stories that may encourage others in the profession. Promoting these narratives under the hashtag #GLAD2025 will foster a spirit of unity and collaboration in addressing the ongoing skills crisis, ensuring that the lifting industry remains sustainable and vibrant for future generations.