NSB Calls for Growing the Skilled Technical Workforce

The National science Board (NSB) — the governing body for the National Science Foundation (NSF) — has released a new report titled, “The Skilled Technical Workforce: Crafting America’s Science and Engineering Enterprise.” The report highlights contributions of the skilled technical workforce (STW) and calls for action to grow this segment of the U.S. science and engineering (S&E) workforce. The NSB report draws attention to the workforce of 17 million people who use S&E skills in their job but do not have a bachelor’s degree. “These individuals bring critical thinking, design, digital, math, and coding skills to work as auto mechanics, health care technicians, electricians, welders, computer systems analysts and administrators, and operators of ‘smart’ infrastructure,” reads the report. “They also contribute to the nation’s S&E enterprise, accounting for more than 50 percent of all workers in many of America’s advanced industries.” “K-12 schools, 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges and universities, and other education and workforce development programs are all integral, synergistic parts of a whole that we need to foster a STEM-capable workforce,” said NSB Chair Diane Souvaine at a report rollout on Capitol Hill. The report offers four recommendations for policymakers and S&E leaders: “Change the Message,” which involves countering negative perceptions ...
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news