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GLAD 2025: Addressing Skills Shortages and Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce

Appeared in Marine Construction Magazine March, 2025 Issue

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Sunrise over Felixstowe Container Port, Suffolk, UK and the North Sea.

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is proud to announce the return of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025 on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with the theme “Lifting Careers, Building Futures.”

This year, GLAD is dedicated to tackling the growing skills shortages across the lifting industry, promoting practical tools to attract new talent, and using the day as a launchpad to inspire the next generation to explore careers in lifting.

The lifting industry plays a crucial role in global infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and more, yet many employers are struggling to recruit and retain skilled professionals. As recruitment challenges intensify, GLAD 2025 aims to provide practical solutions to help businesses identify, develop, and retain top talent.

What to Expect on GLAD 2025

Throughout the day, LEEA and its industry partners will roll out a series of activities, resources, and discussions designed to:

SUPPORT EMPLOYERS

Providing insights into recruitment best practices, apprenticeships, military resettlement programs, and effective interview techniques to help businesses attract and retain the best talent.

EMPOWER JOB SEEKERS

Showcasing why the lifting industry is a fantastic career choice, highlighting career pathways, training opportunities, and advice on how to enter and progress in the field.

PROMOTE INDUSTRYWIDE ENGAGEMENT

Encouraging all stakeholders, from business leaders to training providers, to collaborate and invest in the workforce of tomorrow.

A Special Industry Report & Webinar

As part of GLAD 2025, LEEA CEO, Dr. Ross Moloney and Matt Barber, LEEA Director of Membership, will host a special webinar launching an exclusive industry report that highlights the most pressing issues related to skills shortages, skills gaps, and recruitment across the lifting sector. This report will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing businesses today and actionable strategies to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future.

A Launchpad for the Next Generation

GLAD 2025 is not just about today’s challenges—it’s about securing the industry’s future. By raising awareness of the diverse and rewarding careers available, GLAD will serve as a springboard for young people, career changers, and underrepresented groups to explore opportunities in lifting. Dr. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, commented: “The skills shortage in our industry is a challenge that we must address together. GLAD 2025 provides a platform for businesses, educators, and job seekers to come together, share solutions, and shape the future of lifting. It’s time to lift careers and build futures.”

LEEA invites industry professionals, businesses, and training providers to join the conversation on GLAD 2025 by sharing success stories, promoting career opportunities, and engaging with the wealth of resources available. Follow the campaign and share your stories using #GLAD2025.

The Gordie Howe Bridge over the Detroit River, shown here under construction in 2023, will connect Detroit, Michigan, U.S. with Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

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