PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (February 21, 2023) – It has long been recognized that there is a skill shortage in engineering all over the world and that there are simply not enough engineers. According to an article published in Stainless Steel World, a global shortage of engineers across numerous industries could result in a loss of $454 billion in the United States alone. An aging workforce, waning interest in STEM/STEAM education, and engineers shifting into non-engineering roles are all contributing factors to the shortage.
“This year, more than ever, we thought it was important to add our voice to the conversation about the need for engineers,” said Ron Ledin, PE, Chairman and CEO of Middough Inc., a full-service engineering project solutions firm, headquartered in Cleveland. "As Middough looks to the future, we recognize that promoting STEM/STEAM education and inspiring our nation's future engineers is essential for developing critical thinking and to the growth of our economy. Engineers Week shines a spotlight on the critical need to forge alliances, spread awareness, and increase outreach to better prepare students for engineering careers and future success."
Created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), National Engineers Week, or EWeek, is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology fields. Observed this year from February 19-25, the 2023 theme, “Creating the Future!”, is an invitation to recognize and celebrate how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations, and how by working together to develop new technologies, products, and opportunities, engineers create new possibilities that make the world a better place.
In support of Middough, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey issued a proclamation in recognition of Engineers Week. The proclamation reads in part: “I, Ed Gainey, Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, alongside Middough, Inc., and in support of the National Society of Professional Engineers, do hereby proclaim the week of February 19, 2023, through February 25, 223 as Engineers Week/EWeek in the City of Pittsburgh. May the entire City of Pittsburgh honor and recognize this extraordinary week.” Additionally, this year, Middough worked with City officials across its seven other markets (Cleveland, OH; Toledo, OH; Ashland, KY; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Madison, WI; and Merrillville, IN) to advocate on behalf of engineers, by asking them to issue a proclamation recognizing Engineers Week.
There are three areas worth noting when it comes to why young people are not entering the sector in enough numbers: an insufficient awareness of what engineers do, a misperception of what engineering is, and a lack of opportunity for all to be involved. In 1951, NSPE founded Engineers Week with the goal of “ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding and interest in engineering and technology careers.” More than 70 years later, organizations like Middough are continuing its involvement and helping to make that mission a reality.
Middough has deep roots in the coal, iron, steel, aluminum, and oil and gas industries with many of its first clients being Pittsburgh based. “Middough opened an office in the Pittsburgh area to take advantage of the deep roots of industrial development, and to expand its reach by supporting STEM/STEAM outreach to pave the way for future engineers,” said A. Robert Necciai, PE, Senior Vice President of Middough’s Pittsburgh office. “Engineer’s Week is the best way to spread awareness of this important career and allow it to address the challenges of the future.” Middough is looking forward to assisting in the development of innovations that will continue to spark a new era in addressing future challenges in clean energy, transportation, medicine, environmental stewardship, and education.
Innovative engineers are key to helping to define what is possible and paving the way for the next generation. Throughout Engineers Week, Middough will be recognizing the contributions of its engineers and showing its appreciation for their dedication and passion by featuring engineers from across the company on social media, sharing their journey and what inspired them to pursue engineering. By sharing about their journey, the hope is to inspire the next generation to create the future.
Be sure to connect with Middough on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to hear from some of their engineers and learn more about the incredible possibilities that can be achieved through engineering!
Anyone interested in learning more about Middough may contact the company at ContactUs@Middough.com or at www.Middough.com.
Additional Information
Read the proclamation here.
To read more about our culture, visit www.Middough.com/Careers.
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About Middough Inc.
Since 1950, Middough Inc. has been recognized for its performance and leadership in delivering Engineering, Architecture, Procurement, and Construction Management project solutions. With major offices in Cleveland, Chicago, Toledo, Pittsburgh, and additional offices nationally, Middough provides a full range of business and technical expertise to the Agribusiness, Chemicals, Food & Consumer Products, Manufacturing, Metals, Power, Pharma/Biotech, Oil & Gas, and Refining industries. For more information about Middough, visit www.Middough.com. Middough is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that is committed to the principles of diversity. We actively recruit females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Middough opened an office in the Pittsburgh area to take advantage of the deep roots of industrial development, and to expand its reach by supporting STEM/STEAM outreach to pave the way for future engineers. Engineer’s Week is the best way to spread awareness of this important career and allow it to address the challenges of the future.
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