Hardware Podcasts

146: The Workforce Slugfest: A Live Panel on Training Programs, Immigration Policy, and Attracting the Next Generation

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 25 Jul 2023 · 29m

What this episode covers

Host Chris Luecke moderates a panel at the Association for Equipment Manufacturers' Celebration of Construction featuring Marsia Geldert-Murphey of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Thayer Long of the Independent Electrical Contractors, and Steve Hall of the American Council of Engineering Companies. The group discusses the severe workforce shortage in construction and engineering, citing a need for 82,000 more engineers to execute the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. They propose specific solutions including reforming immigration policies to retain foreign graduates, expanding apprenticeship programs like the DOL-approved electrical apprenticeship, and changing STEM messaging to appeal to purpose-driven youth. The panel also highlights retention strategies such as hybrid work models, ownership stakes, and early K-12 engagement through initiatives like the Future World Vision IMAX movie.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Association for Equipment Manufacturers, American Society of Civil Engineers, Independent Electrical Contractors, American Council of Engineering Companies
Also
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H1B visas

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