Lawmakers eye new programs to boost tech workforce

Lawmakers at a hearing Thursday turned their attention to new programs to help boost the number of science and technology workers in the U.S.

“Fulfilling our STEM research needs … is essential for economic competitiveness,” said House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) during a hearing on science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM) jobs.

“STEM jobs are growing in every sector of our economy,” he added.

{mosads}The Science committee’s subcommittee on research and technology heard from educators who highlighted vocational training programs, two-year degrees and community colleges to help fill the gap.

According to the National Science Board, the number of STEM jobs increased by 34 percent over the last decade. Sixteen million of these jobs – including IT specialists and cybersecurity analysts – do not require a bachelor’s degree.

According to a study from the Manufacturing Institute, the technical skills gap could leave up to two million jobs unfilled by 2025.

“[Students are] planning for jobs that either won’t exist when they get out of school, are rapidly evolving, or it’s not within that skill frame where most of the jobs … would be,” Montez King, executive director of the National Institute of Metalworking Skills, told lawmakers.

Dr. Victor McCrary, a vice president at Morgan State University and a member of the National Science Board’s Task Force on the Skilled Technical Workforce, said employers need to rethink hiring practices. He said many employers insist on applicants having a four-year degree, but in many cases proper vocational training can mean a more qualified candidate.

“We also see there’s a stigma associated with community colleges, technical schools and training,” he said. “We need to change that perception and fix our own blind spots and baggage.”

Colleges are also creating innovative new training programs. Some universities, including Wichita State in Kansas, have devoted resources to opening technical schools.

Wichita State’s program will offer shorter training courses and help students get certified, said Dr. John Bardo, president of the university. 

“There are so many people … who want to learn, who want to be a part of the economy, who want to be a part of STEM, but they don’t want to take on a 15-week course or they don’t want to take on a 120-hour degree,” he said.

Bardo said his school’s program would open up STEM jobs to single parents and working professionals.

Lawmakers also touted the Code Like a Girl Act, a House bill that encourages girls under 10 to study computer science.

“If we really start working with … kids at a young age, have them understand these jobs are available … they can both get into areas [careers] that both pay for themselves as well as really be what we need in the economy,” said Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), the chairwoman of the research and technology subcommittee.

Lawmakers expressed bipartisan support for such efforts.

“China and others are aggressively investing in research and development and in their own STEM resources. Meanwhile we’re tapping the breaks,” said Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.). “Now is not the time to be complacent about our standing as an economic leader.”