To address a critical shortage of skilled professionals in infrastructure development, top engineering and public works stakeholders have launched the Engineering Workforce Consortium (EWC), keen on attracting the next generation of talent; retaining current engineering and public works human capital; and, advocating for industry growth and sustainability. EWC formation is the outcome of a recent American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Works Association (APWA), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) workforce summit.
“The talent war and shortage of skilled professionals in public works and engineering are challenges we all face. The Consortium provides a unified platform to exchange best practices, leverage collective strengths, and address the workforce crisis head-on,” says ACEC Board Chair Gary Raba (Raba Kistner Inc., San Antonio, Texas).
“Too many public works departments throughout North America have job openings that are not being filled and projects that are being delayed because of the workforce shortage,” affirms APWA President Dominick Longobardi. “We are pleased to be a part of the consortium as its collective voice will improve hiring and will better prepare us to fulfill the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
“The workforce crisis impacting the engineering and public works communities is restricting the impact of landmark federal infrastructure legislation and holding community development back at a time when it’s needed most,” adds ASCE President Marsia Geldert-Murphey. “Our three organizations are committed to developing a wide range of strategies to address this issue so that the public can understand the immense benefits of careers in these fields. This Consortium will be a catalyst for infrastructure leaders to share and curate these strategies moving forward.”
ACEC, APWA and ASCE representatives comprise the EWC Steering Committee. Groups joining EWC as Participating Organizations include the Army Corp of Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Academy of Construction, National Society of Professional Engineers, and Society of American Military Engineers.