LAFAYETTE, Indiana — Caterpillar Inc. is sending up to $5 million to Indiana to support workforce training and upskilling initiatives, part of the company’s five-year, $100 million workforce pledge. The initiative aims to boost interest in advanced manufacturing careers and equip U.S. workers with the skills needed for high-quality jobs in the evolving industrial sector.
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“The future workforce will need skills for what comes next,” said Christy Pambianchi, Caterpillar chief human resources officer. “We have our experts working on innovative training and resources to help skill and inform the next generation on how to navigate the worksite of tomorrow, and we’re excited to be starting here in Indiana to enable U.S. workers to enter high-quality jobs in the American manufacturing industry.”
The announcement was made at Caterpillar’s large engine facility in Lafayette, Indiana, which recently unveiled a $725 million capital expansion—one of the largest single manufacturing investments in the company’s history. The expansion is designed to significantly increase engine production and meet the nation’s growing energy demands.
“The demand for energy is increasing like never before,” said Jason Kaiser, president of Caterpillar’s Energy & Transportation Group. “Many of the engines manufactured here in Lafayette will support power generation customers by providing reliable power—keeping operations running during outages and helping meet the growing energy needs driven by AI, data centers, and other critical infrastructure across America and around the world.”
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The funding will be used to develop advanced training programs, upskill existing employees, and attract new talent to the manufacturing sector. Caterpillar plans to collaborate with local technical schools, community colleges, and workforce development organizations to deliver hands-on learning opportunities and career pathways in areas such as automation, robotics, and advanced engine technologies.
“Our goal is to create a pipeline of highly skilled workers ready to step into modern manufacturing roles,” Pambianchi added. “By starting here in Indiana, we are helping communities access sustainable employment opportunities and fostering innovation that will benefit the industry for years to come.”
The Lafayette facility, already a critical hub for engine manufacturing, will benefit directly from the skilled workforce, ensuring higher efficiency, safer operations, and faster production. Caterpillar emphasizes that this investment not only prepares workers but also strengthens the company’s ability to meet national infrastructure and energy needs.
This initiative aligns with broader industry trends of reskilling the American workforce for high-tech manufacturing, addressing the growing demand for jobs in energy, AI, and advanced industrial systems. Caterpillar’s $100 million workforce pledge across the U.S. is expected to reach multiple states, with Indiana serving as a model for scalable training and workforce development programs.
“Investing in people is investing in progress,” said Kaiser. “By equipping employees with the right skills, we’re ensuring that Caterpillar continues to drive innovation while supporting communities and powering the future of American manufacturing.”
Caterpillar encourages local organizations, schools, and prospective employees to engage with the program and explore opportunities for collaboration, training, and employment.
Originally reported by Construction Equipment.
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