Findings For specific training, firms are increasingly bringing in professional training companies to address specific topics. In addition, they are using the training services of product and service vendors. While this trend may be satisfactory for the firm, it may represent a lost opportunity to the university that frequently has the labs and expertise to provide such services. The Academic Disciplines reported as most important in the body of this report were also viewed as most important by the Focus Group. The top priority was local availability of academic programs offering degrees in these disciplines.
Most firms have policies to hire only engineers with a baccalaureate degree.
This leads to an important discussion of the appropriate degree level a local university should offer. The data suggests that there is a shortage of local new engineering graduates. This forces the firms to employ from outside the region. Local undergraduate programs to educate more engineers is an appropriate solution. This would fill needs for area students and firms alike.