State plans to make up shortfall of engineers

Education will be at heart of the private-public effort

By CHRISTINA SALERNO
csalerno@modbee.com

last updated: December 27, 2007 02:49:58 AM

Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a proposal Wednesday to add 20,000 engineers to the state's work force in the next 10 years by expanding educational programs and forming partnerships between colleges, the military and the private sector.

The public and private sectors are suffering from a shortage of engineers as more baby boomers retire. According to federal statistics, the state faces a shortfall of 40,000 engineers by 2014.

This summer, the Modesto City Council approved a round of pay hikes for engineers and other technical employees in its water, sewer and building inspection divisions. Modesto has had trouble recruiting and retaining people in those jobs, according to city officials.

Several private engineering firms in the Northern San Joaquin Valley boosted their payrolls during the real estate boom, but have curtailed hiring in recent months because of the housing market collapse.

Officials with Modesto's Mid-Valley Engineering said last month that they've cut 19 employees this year, and other firms indicate they're also feeling the effects of the slowdown.

However, long-term demand for the profession remains strong. The federal Labor and Workforce Development Agency forecasts that California will need 20,000 to 24,000 additional engineers to meet engineering needs in the next decade.

The proposal includes:

Establishing programs in the University of California and California State University systems to expedite certification for veterans with engineering backgrounds. About 3,000 service members are discharged in the state each year who hold engineering-related military jobs.

Directing $1 million in fed- eral Workforce Investment Act funds to develop apprenticeship programs that partner private industry and California com- munity colleges.

Launching the Engineering Education Council to bring more private funds to "pipeline programs" at UC, CSU and community colleges as well as other efforts that foster engineering careers. These programs help move math and science students into engineering.

Expanding the statewide charter of High Tech High, a state charter school organization, to build engineering- focused charter schools. In 2006, the State Board of Education approved 10 High Tech High charter schools. The proposal would increase the schools and expand the group charter to kindergarten through 12th grades.

Bee staff writer Christina Salerno can be reached at csalerno@modbee.com or 238-4574.

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