Long-term strategies for Workforce Development & Industry Advancement

In partnership with the National Governors Association, ASCE developed a report titled “Strategies to Address Engineering Workforce Challenges.” The passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in late 2021 was a watershed moment for our nation’s infrastructure. However, the report highlights the new challenges that come with the additional money provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Increased investment levels amid accelerating retirement trends and poor attrition rates in the infrastructure space compound existing gaps in the engineering and infrastructure workforce and threaten this generational opportunity’s overall impact. In the report, long term engineering education and industry advancement are emphasized as key to solving the workforce challenges. 
The session will consist of panelists from diverse sectors including industry, academia, and public policy to discuss the current workforce development challenges and how specifically outreach to and working with K-12 education is an essential long-term solution. The audience can expect an informative discussion centered around practical insights and effective strategies to encourage student engagement in their communities. As such, the panel will highlight the value of K-12 outreach efforts in raising public awareness of the civil engineering profession by sharing their perspectives and firsthand experiences. The session will also serve as an opportunity for the audience to gain insight into the importance of student engagement in building a diverse, inclusive and skilled workforce ready to address challenges of the future.