Contractor Collaborates with Pitt Engineering to Enhance Student Training

December 5, 2024 - 15:31

Peter MacKenna, a seasoned civil engineer with over 40 years of experience, highlights a pressing issue in the engineering field: the significant gap between retiring engineers and new entrants into the workforce. With approximately 20,000 civil engineers retiring each year and only 10,000 to 12,000 new graduates entering the profession, the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals.

In response to this challenge, MacKenna's firm has agreed to partner with the University of Pittsburgh's engineering and business school to provide hands-on training for students. This collaboration aims to equip future engineers with practical skills and real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands.

By working closely with students, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and laborers, ensuring a steady influx of talent into the workforce. This partnership not only addresses the immediate needs of the engineering sector but also fosters a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.