U.K. Engineering Association CEO Visits ACEC; Engineering Shortage Tops Agenda Nelson Ogunshakin, CEO of ACE of the United Kingdom, and ACEC President Dave Raymond at ACEC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Nelson Ogunshakin, CEO of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) of the United Kingdom, visited with ACEC this week to discuss the shortage of engineers, as well as new procurement and delivery systems. ACE is the oldest and largest business association of engineering and technical companies in the U.K., representing more than 800 firms employing more than 50,000 professionals. "The engineering shortage in the U.K. stems from essentially three factors," said Ogunshakin. "First is the lack of sufficient numbers of engineering students graduating from our universities. "Second, is the growing attraction of engineering graduates to other fields outside engineering, such as banking and finance and the legal profession, which are viewed as more financially rewarding. Third, is the accelerated demand for more engineers than ever before to meet unprecedented growth in the construction industry." In both the U.K. and U.S. growing awareness of this engineering shortage has led to national concern and a renewed emphasis on math, science and engineering education. In the U.K. a new position of Minister of Science, Engineering and Technology has been created to work with industry to respond to this issue. In the area of new delivery systems, both the U.K. and the U.S. have experienced significant growth in the use of design-build, privately sponsored public works projects and public-private partnerships. These trends are challenging the traditional practice of consulting engineers. "U.K. engineers and consultants are concerned with increased financial exposure at the same time that they are seeking to take leading positions in innovative project schemes," said Ogunshakin. "Because of the similar challenges we are facing," said ACEC President Dave Raymond, "and the growth of U.S. companies operating in the U.K. and vice versa, the cooperation of ACE and ACEC in examining areas of mutual interest is beneficial to both parties."

Michigan Governor Signs Fast Track Infrastructure Bill Witnessing the historic signing by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm were ACEC/Michigan President Jim Escamilla, (fifth from the right) and ACEC/Michigan Executive Director Ron Brenke, (second from the right). Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm was joined by ACEC/Michigan members last week as she signed legislation that will kick-start local transportation projects across the state and help municipalities put federal transportation dollars to work. Touted as the "Local Jobs Today" program, the legislation will provide the 20 percent match for local projects required to take advantage of federal funding. The program will enable the state to leverage $87 million of state investment in order to garner $347 million in federal funds, thus creating approximately $420 million for local road projects. "Passage of this legislation is a critical victory for the engineering and construction industry in the state," said ACEC/Michigan Executive Director Ron Brenke. "It gives us the ability to fast track much needed infrastructure and get the most out of our federal transportation funding."

June Market Forecast Series Event—Information Technology Association of America Jennifer Kerber and Trey Hodkins, Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) June 15                 ACEC HQ, Washington, DC or Online 12:30-1:30 pm EDT Jennifer Kerber and Trey Hodkins will examine the Presidential Directive for Homeland Security, and how its implementation will affect engineering firms that work on federal contracts or on federal facilities. Members $109/non-members $129 Click here for online registration information. Click here for on-site registration information.

Upcoming Online Seminars June 14: Writing Winning Proposals, Clare Ross, Clare Ross Organization, Inc. Click here to register. June 20: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Project Management, David Gallimore, Ventura Project Group Click here to register. June 21: Client Expectations of Perfection, Jack Beemer, PE, David Evans and Associates, Inc. Click here to register. June 28: Service-Centered Selling, Mel Lester, The Business Edge Click here to register.

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