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Filling the skills gap, and more
One of the problems cited in our January article on the engineering skills gap is a decline in education at the K-12 level suitable for preparing students for the workplace in general, and engineering specifically.
An article in yesterday's Chicago Tribune talks about Warren High School in Gurnee, Illinois, one place that is trying to reverse that trend. There, students with solid math and science grades have an opportunity to use sophisticated computer-based engineering tools to take what are effectively college level courses while still in high school. Warren is one of 89 such schools in Illinois and 2,782 nationally that are offering this curriculum. Studies show that students who begin early are more likely to stick with engineering once they reach college, rather than falling out of the programs. Current statistics indicate that nearly half the students who begin studying engineering leave to take up another major.
This program is supported partially by Abbott Labs, a major employer in the area. It has 2,500 engineers on staff and is always looking for more. The article points out that Abbott's demand for engineers has doubled in each of the last three decades. Obviously this is a company that is taking the long view and doing something concrete to ensure its future. Others should take note.
On a less serious note, you probably noticed a new look for our Web page. I apologize for the frequency with which my picture appears. My wife thinks it is downright misleading because she says that I really don't smile that much. Happy Valentine's Day!
It's also Jack Benny's birthday. Happy 39th!
Filling the skills gap, and more
February 14, 2008
One of the problems cited in our January article on the engineering skills gap is a decline in education at the K-12 level suitable for preparing students for the workplace in general, and engineering specifically.An article in yesterday's Chicago Tribune talks about Warren High School in Gurnee, Illinois, one place that is trying to reverse that trend. There, students with solid math and science grades have an opportunity to use sophisticated computer-based engineering tools to take what are effectively college level courses while still in high school. Warren is one of 89 such schools in Illinois and 2,782 nationally that are offering this curriculum. Studies show that students who begin early are more likely to stick with engineering once they reach college, rather than falling out of the programs. Current statistics indicate that nearly half the students who begin studying engineering leave to take up another major.
This program is supported partially by Abbott Labs, a major employer in the area. It has 2,500 engineers on staff and is always looking for more. The article points out that Abbott's demand for engineers has doubled in each of the last three decades. Obviously this is a company that is taking the long view and doing something concrete to ensure its future. Others should take note.
On a less serious note, you probably noticed a new look for our Web page. I apologize for the frequency with which my picture appears. My wife thinks it is downright misleading because she says that I really don't smile that much. Happy Valentine's Day!
It's also Jack Benny's birthday. Happy 39th!
Posted by Peter Welander on February 14, 2008 | Comments (0)
Industries: Information Control
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