Watertown— Seeing the need to increase the number of engineers graduating from Universities, New York Air Brake decided to participate in engineers week.
John M. Reynolds, Director of Systems Development Engineering at NY Air Brake explained that due to Congress, there is a hold on how many foreign engineers allowed into the United States.
Last November, 2012 Congress prevented a plan, which would allow foreign Master’s and Doctoral students in the field of technology from receiving more permanent visas.
The 2010, United States Census Bureau tracked 20% of foreign-born held bachelor degrees or higher education in the fields of science and engineering.
“Because of the engineering and technical talent shortage, we’re bringing in a lot of foreign engineers and technical people” said Mr. Reynolds, “and even then there is a hold on how many can enter the United States.”
Mr. Reynolds went on to explain that as the “baby boomers” retire, there isn’t enough people interested in engineering careers to backfill all of the talent that is going to be retiring. “There are lots of engineering jobs available here in Watertown” said Mr. Reynolds, “just not enough qualified individuals to fill these positions.”
According to the National Engineers Week Foundation, “Engineers Week is part of many corporate and government cultures and is celebrated on every U.S. engineering college campus.”
By observing and participating in engineering week, Mr. Reynolds hopes that more young students will have an interest in engineering, which is ranked one of the top 5 degrees in 2013. On Thursday, February 14th, student’s grades 5-8 will be coming in to do a tour at NY Air Brake and on Friday grades 9-12.
