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Recent data suggests the U.S. will continue to face an engineering talent shortage, with some estimates indicating nearly one in three engineering roles could remain unfilled over the next five years. Ongoing shortages threaten innovation and our ability to compete on a global scale, not to mention our ability to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure.

 

At Open for Business Oklahoma (OFBO), our member companies are committed to bridging the engineering gap by motivating the next generation through strategic engagement and education. Read on to discover three ways we’re working to inspire tomorrow’s engineers today. 

 

Help make STEAM accessible to all students

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education fosters critical thinking, problem solving and innovation within students—especially when introduced at a young age. One way to nudge students into pursuing engineering is to introduce them to STEAM concepts in accessible, hands-on applications. The problem is, STEAM education is not always readily available within schools, especially within high-poverty and rural areas, which means students across the state could benefit from additional support.

 

OFBO’s very own STEAM curriculum is a great place to start, especially during the summer months when students can experience learning loss. Our “Think Like an Engineer” series offers six STEAM lessons with content designed to help middle school students put textbook concepts into hands-on practice. Download the free packet to help disseminate the lessons to the public and to K-12 schools across the state.

 

Pursue meaningful outreach opportunities

One of the most powerful ways you can influence a young person’s future is by simply showing up as a role model. When young people meet engineers that look like them or come from a similar background, the idea of becoming an engineer may start to take shape in their mind. Representation matters: as Billie Jean King said, “If you can see it, you can be it.” 

OFBO member companies frequently pursue outreach opportunities with young learners by participating in career fairs, classroom visits and mentorship programs. Sometimes, a simple conversation is all it takes to ignite a child’s interest in a career path they hadn’t previously envisioned for themselves. 

 

Help kids connect the dots

Finally, it’s crucial to show kids what’s in it for them if they pursue engineering. According to a Pew Research Center survey, about half of adults say the main reason young people don’t pursue STEM degrees is because they think these subjects are too hard. If kids can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s unlikely they’re going to be motivated to forge ahead when less rigorous career paths are available. 

 

By showing how engineering is part of all aspects of everyday life and can help to solve real-world problems, students begin to understand how that hard work can pay off. Plus, you can appeal to the economically rewarding side: skilled engineering workers are in high demand, which often translates to job security, a wide variety of job prospects both close to home and across the globe, and competitive pay and benefits. Sure, engineering as a career path has its challenges, but it’s certainly worth investing the time and energy for the rewards.

 

At OFBO, our members are tackling workforce shortages head on by investing in the future of engineering every single day. If you’re not yet an OFBO member, learn more about how you can get involved in helping us build a stronger, more innovative Oklahoma.