“Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.”

— Isaac Asimov

Engineering is one of the most sought-after and rewarding career paths today. It is a field with endless possibilities and growth potential, especially when it comes to the ability to innovate and create new products. And don’t forget a rewarding earning potential. But what does the future hold for engineers? Let’s examine the current state of the engineering industry and explore the opportunities that are available for engineers in today’s competitive job market. How do you ensure a successful career in engineering and what are potential pitfalls that could arise along the way?

Job Prospects for Engineers

There is no question that engineering is a field with a lot of potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of nearly 140,000 new jobs expected for engineers over the 2016–2026 decade. (https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/article/engineers.htm)

However, the job market for engineers can be quite competitive, and it is important to have the right skills and experience if you want to find a good job in this field. The most in-demand engineering jobs tend to be in the fields of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Once you have chosen your preferred path in engineering, it’s important to get started on the right track by getting a degree from an accredited engineering program. Once you have your degree, you should consider working in an internship or as an apprentice to gain some experience before you enter the job market. With the right skills and experience, you should be able to find a good job in this rewarding field.

The Engineering Skills Gap

The engineering skills gap is a term that is used to describe the difference between the skills that employers require and the skills that employees possess. It is also used to describe the lack of qualified workers to fill positions in the engineering field. The engineering skills gap has been a concern of employers for several years and has been exacerbated by the retirement of baby boomers and the decrease in the number of students choosing to study engineering.

A recent survey by ManpowerGroup found that 546% of employers globally are struggling to fill vacant positions due to a lack of skilled candidates (https://www.manpowergroup.com/en/news-releases/news/global-talent-shortages-hit-record-highs–manpowergroup-reveals-how-to-close-the-skills-gap-with-new-research-on-what-workers-want). The engineering skills gap is expected to widen in the coming years as demand for engineers increases and the supply of qualified workers decreases.

There are a number of reasons why there is a lack of qualified workers to fill engineering positions. Firstly, there has been a decline in the number of students studying engineering at universities and colleges. Secondly, many baby boomers are retiring from engineering careers, taking with them years of experience and knowledge. Finally, advances in technology have created new roles within engineering that require specific skills and knowledge. As a result, there is a mismatch between the skills required by employers and those possessed by employees.

The Future of Engineering

There is no doubt that engineering is a critical profession. It is the backbone of many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Engineering technicians and technologists apply theoretical knowledge to develop solutions to practical problems. They work in a variety of settings, including private industry, government, and academia.

The future of engineering is bright. The demand for qualified engineers is expected to grow as the world economy expands. Emerging economies are particularly reliant on engineering for infrastructure development. Engineers will also be needed to solve problems associated with climate change and energy security. As our world becomes increasingly complex, the skills of engineers will be in high demand.

Conclusion

Engineering is a fantastic career choice with many opportunities for growth and development. There are so many directions you could take as an engineer, whether you choose to specialize in a certain field or stay general. With the world’s technology advancing each day, engineers have become more and more important in developing solutions that will benefit us all. If you are interested in engineering, don’t hesitate to start your career and look for engineering jobs – there is certainly a future in this profession!