Meeting the workforce shortage: You can make a difference
In the next four to seven years, almost half of all civil engineers in the United States will be eligible to retire. Many of these engineers were hired as part of federal initiatives during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The person sitting next to you may be retiring soon—who is going to replace him or her?
The potential shortage of civil engineers is further compounded by a decline in students entering civil engineering programs, creating an urgent need for student outreach and recruitment now.
In a response to the predicted shortage, the Local Road Research Board's Research Implementation Committee (LRRB-RIC) funded and initiated a campaign to recruit high school juniors and seniors. The focus of the campaign is for city and county engineers to make presentations at their local high schools to get young people excited (yes, excited!) about working as a civil engineer or civil engineering technician.
"In the 50s and 60s, civil engineering was the first field to use computers— now computer use is an everyday thing for high school students," says Michael M. Marti, P.E., principal investigator of this project from SRF Consulting Group. "With today's kids being so technically savvy, it's important to show them just how high-tech a career in civil engineering is." Because it will take up to five years for this year's high school graduates to complete bachelor's degrees in civil engineering, we need to take action immediately to ensure that there are enough civil engineers to meet the demands of the future.
According to Lou Tasa, project chair for the LRRB-RIC and District 2 State Aid Engineer for Mn/DOT, there is a real need to explain civil engineering to students. "Most kids don't know what a civil engineer or technician does—the term doesn't really describe the field. An important part of developing the toolkit was not only to explain civil engineering, but do it in an engaging and exciting way."
To support this effort, LRRB-RIC developed an informational packet titled Toolkit for a Career in Civil Engineering. Earlier this summer, the toolkit was sent to all Minnesota county and city engineers, Mn/DOT District offices, and engineering consultants. The goal is to have local government engineers contact the public and private high schools in their area and talk to math and science teachers about visiting the school and making a presentation this fall. A copy of the toolkit will be sent this fall to every public and private high school in Minnesota.
The toolkit contains:
- A seven-minute video that is intended to excite juniors and seniors about civil engineering. The video is fast-paced and contains a large amount of information.
- A presentation to provide information and help answer questions that students have about civil engineering. Detailed presenter's notes with talking points to help you make the presentation are also included.
- A list of frequently asked questions and answers about careers in civil engineering. The FAQs are intended to be left behind as a handout for the students.
- A tri-fold brochure that provides a general overview of civil engineering, directs students to the LRRB's Web site, and lists schools across the Midwest that offer civil engineering and civil engineering technician programs
After receiving the toolkit, the LRRB-RIC wants the local government engineer to:
- Contact all public and private high schools in their area. Ideally, talk to a math or science teacher.
- Request an opportunity to visit the school, give the civil engineering presentation, and answer questions raised by the students.
- Be flexible with the school's schedule and let the teachers know that you would be happy to make repeat presentations.
- Ask about other opportunities to connect with students.
The timing of this effort is critical. If we can encourage more students to enter civil engineering now, we can avoid a potential crisis in the future. The next step is up to you—contact your local high schools in August to set up a presentation!