Fossil energy technical manpower: forecasts of supply and demand
Technical Report
·
OSTI ID:7337101
The nation's overall need for engineers and physical scientists will continue to grow but is not expected to outpace the production of new graduates in these fields. Technical manpower shortages that might hinder the nation's fossil and other energy programs are not likely to occur. If a shortage does become a real threat, it could be countered by corrective actions: intensify efforts to sign up or retrieve the thousands of engineers and physical scientists who leave their technical field soon after graduation; recruit graduates, now working in other fields, who have potential for retraining in the critical area; increase the productivity of professionals through greater use of para-professionals or technicians; shorten the education pipeline by encouraging students to shift mid-stream from related disciplines to those in short supply; and as a last resort, admit the requisite number of non-quota immigrants with the desired training. Government agencies and industry are advised not to engage in campaigns to stimulate enrollment in specific technical fields. Such recruiting is usually a ''too-much, too-late'' measure. Forecasts of job opportunities are self-defeating and very often misleading. It is, therefore, unethical to use them as a basis for persuading high school students to enroll in specific disciplines. Certain kinds of student recruiting are, however, recommended: selective recruiting to attract more of the high-calibre students; and selective recruiting and use of stipends to attract more female, minority and/or low-income students with high potential. If universities recruit, it should be on the basis of intrinsic interest in a particular discipline, rather than on job outlook. As always, there is a need to improve the calibre and competence of the university ''end-product.'' Several programs and actions designed to do this are recommended for universities, ERDA and other governmental agencies, professional societies and industry.
- Research Organization:
- Energy Research and Development Administration, Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7337101
- Report Number(s):
- TID-27186
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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