What's Happening?
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has joined the Engineering Workforce Consortium (EWC) to tackle the critical workforce shortage in U.S. infrastructure development. This partnership expands the consortium's
reach to state departments of transportation, linking workforce initiatives with agencies responsible for implementing infrastructure projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EWC aims to attract new engineering talent, retain the existing workforce, and advocate for industry growth. AASHTO's involvement brings state transportation leadership into the coalition, enhancing efforts to address workforce challenges.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between AASHTO and the EWC highlights the urgent need to address workforce shortages in the U.S. transportation sector. As infrastructure projects increase due to federal investments, the demand for skilled engineering professionals is critical. This partnership aims to ensure that the talent pipeline meets the growing needs of infrastructure development, which is essential for maintaining and modernizing the nation's transportation systems. By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, the consortium seeks to implement effective workforce solutions that can sustain long-term infrastructure growth.
What's Next?
The partnership will facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources among state departments of transportation and other consortium members. Initiatives such as K-12 STEM engagement programs and retention strategies like RetainHER will be expanded to address workforce challenges. The consortium's efforts are expected to lead to more coordinated actions and innovative solutions to attract and retain engineering talent. As these initiatives progress, they could significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure projects across the U.S.
