Aggregates are known for being the building blocks of our roads, bridges, and sidewalks. Not only are aggregates an important part of our infrastructure, they’re found in every room of our homes. Given the range of uses, from our dishes in our dining rooms to our mirrors in our bathrooms, pencils in our offices and medicines in our pantries, the aggregates industry is incredibly important for our future.
According to the Grand View Research Aggregates Market Growth Industry Report, the global aggregates market size, which was valued at $429 billion in 2020, is projected to see a $602.9 billion annual revenue by 2027. This is based on an anticipated CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.72% through 2030, as forecasted by Precedence Research.
Population and economic growth are fueling this growing demand. To meet it and keep our nation moving and progressing, we will need to expand our aggregates workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction and extraction occupations are expected to grow at a faster rate than other occupations, bringing a need for nearly 750,000 new jobs by 2026. The current workforce simply cannot keep up with this demand, especially as many industry members are aging out.
Ohio is at the forefront of supporting the aggregates industry by training the next generation through MACC Tech. MACC Tech – or Mining, Asphalt, Concrete and Construction (MACC) Technology – is an innovative training program that gives high school juniors and seniors an introduction to the aggregates industry.
The well-rounded curriculum includes industry safety training as well as aggregate-specific education. Students learn directly from those who know the industry best: aggregate industry professionals, including Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Materials Association (OAIMA) members. More than just a general overview, students are awarded the MACC Tech Industry Credential upon completing the robust traianing. With this credential, graduates have proof that they are ready for immediate hire.
The Ohio Department of Education approved this 12-point industry credential program in 2019 in the hopes of better preparing our students and supporting this growing industry. This unique training program is currently only in Ohio, but opportunities expand nationwide. There are great-paying career opportunities in Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, Construction, Transportation, Engineering, and Manufacturing waiting for the next generation of workers.
The hope for MACC Tech is that it expands beyond Ohio and spreads across the country to create a pipeline of prepared employees. To do this, MACC Tech creators developed a curriculum that can be easily implemented in schools nationwide. Download the curriculum here or request more information by contacting Pat Jacomet at patj@oaima.org.
