Issue Overview:
Engineering firms need access to talented, highly skilled workers. According to the ACEC Research Institute’s report The Workforce of the Future, the number of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering graduates in the U.S. declined between 2019 and 2022. This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that nearly 26 percent of architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) workers are over the age of 55 and nearing retirement.
ACEC's Workforce Agenda Includes:
- State and federal programs that expand STEM education and grow the engineering talent pipeline over the long term.
- Federal immigration policies to attract the best and brightest talent from abroad when qualified Americans are unavailable.
- Contracting policies with public agencies that give firms more flexibility to manage costs.
- Protection of state licensure for engineers to safeguard public health and safety.
- Expand initiatives that make the engineering profession more attractive to help firms recruit and retain top talent.
Join ACEC's Workforce Committee to learn how we are working to expand opportunity in the engineering industry.
Workforce Development Playbook
This Playbook outlines pathways to prioritize workforce development, increase outreach to students, and cultivate the next generation of engineering talent to build the communities of tomorrow.
Engineering Workforce Consortium
Learn more about ACEC's work as part of the Engineering Workforce Consortium.
ACEC Comments on USCIS Proposal to Change How H-1B Visas are Allocated
ACEC Comments on Engineering Industry Exemption from the New H-1B Visa Fee
Letter to DOL on Certification Process for Employment Based Green Cards
Ready to find out more?
You can access more resources on Workforce Development in the ACEC Resource Library.
ACEC Research Institute - Community Building Roadmap
Access a data-driven tool that captures the state of inclusion and belonging across the engineering industry and highlights opportunities for firms to strengthen their workplace culture and community impact.
