The Workforce Again Management Program Initiative Addressing Technological Workforce Demographics

摘要

This article is a summary report of a multifaceted initiative to ensure a ready supply of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Workforce in the Tennessee Valley Corridor. The effort was co-funded by the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Education from 2001 to 2008 addressing the shortfall of STEM workers. Every seven seconds in 2006 a US baby boomer became eligible for retirement. This generation waited later in life to have children or did not have children; therefore there isn't a second population boom. Their children are not entering STEM fields to replace the rate of retirees. The tragedy of 9/11 has slowed the rate of immigration including STEM workers. Some regions are experiencing a 40% STEM workforce short. [Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004] We present the objectives, implementation plans, and lessons learned from this initiative. We will summarize with a prescription for a broader application.