Workforce Resources

One of the primary challenges in industry recruitment is the lack of early STEM exploration in schools, which is essential for inspiring a new generation of engineers. Without early access to STEM subjects, students may not develop the interest or skills necessary to pursue engineering fields. This gap results in a shortage of qualified applicants who are prepared for the demands of modern STEM careers.

But the challenge does not end when students get to college. Recruiting civil engineering students requires a multifaceted approach that combines industry engagement, direct outreach, and leveraging the right recruitment channels. It also means connecting students sooner, as today’s college students are more career-minded than ever. As early as freshman year, students are considering their full-time employment options and accepting job offers. To remain competitive, the earlier firms can start recruiting top talent, the better.

• Career Fair Outreach Kit
• College Graduate Recruitment 
• "Why Indiana" is the Place for Civil Engineering
• Move IN City/Region Pages - one stop shop for relocation information, from school listings to child care and public transit.
• Cost of Living Calculator - compares everyday costs in Indiana communities to cities around the U.S.
• Destination Map - interactive digital map that displays quality-of-life assets in Indiana.

Retaining interns and recent college graduates, encouraging them to stay in Indiana, poses several significant challenges. Indiana’s public and private universities attract students from across the globe. Indiana is 8th in the nation in attracting students to Indiana for college, but 41st in retaining college graduates. Meanwhile, the number of civil engineering graduates in Indiana continues to trend downward, while workforce needs have trended upwards. Engineering firms must create compelling value propositions that highlight the benefits of joining their company as well as providing a clear path for career progression. Today’s students anticipate and expect this when considering their many career options.

• Talent Retention Strategies
• "Stay" Interview Sample Questions
• Building Collegiate Partnerships
• Employment-Based Immigration for Consulting Engineers (by George Watson)

In the dynamic field of civil engineering, internships hold immense significance for students aiming to excel in their careers. Although classroom instruction offers a solid foundation, internships play a crucial role in connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Internships introduce students to the realities of the workplace, including the importance of teamwork, communication, and time management. Internships also help students develop essential technical skills and competencies that are not easily acquired in a classroom setting, which are critical for ensuring that future engineers can meet the demands of complex projects and innovate within the industry.

• Creating an Internship Program
• Intern Interview Sample Questions
• Work + Learn Indiana - free work-based learning matching marketplace.
• EARN Indiana - work-study grant funding for employers offering eligible internships.
• Ascend Indiana - consulting and technical assistance for talent recruitment.

Indiana has many programs targeted for employers that support workforce development.

• Talent Resource Navigator - provides individuals and employers a library of workforce resources support by Indiana organizations and grant programs. The platform and supportive training consultants can help employers narrow in on the workforce resources that are most relevant to their needs. It also includes a searchable list of Indiana’s funded job training programs. The Talent Resource Navigator is supported by the Institute for Workforce Excellence, a 501(c)3 subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
• Employer Training Grant - reimburses Indiana employers who train, hire, and retain new or incumbent workers to fill in-demand positions within recognized job fields. Examples of related eligible occupations in the civil construction industry covered by the grant include Engineering Technicians and Logisticians. Individuals looking for skills-training may be eligible for the Workforce Ready Grant, which offers both credit-bearing and non-credit certifications in specific job fields.

• The New Reality for Higher Education: The Big Issues They Can't Ignore - C2 Communications shares in their blog that the higher ed landscape is being pushed to evolve faster than ever, and institutions that fail to adapt risk being left behind.
• ASCE Indiana Fact Sheet 2024 - The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest national civil engineering society. The Indiana Section is proud to bring together Hoosiers across the state in the industry to continue to grow professionally, network, and further their education.
• The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage - Lightcast's recent report shows how the deluge of Baby Boomers' retirement, plummeting childbirth rates, and historically low labor force participation will compound to create a deficit of six million workers by 2032.
• Top Civil & Infrastructure Trends - AGC and Procore teamed up with Illuminas to survey 450+ civil and infrastructure pros across the U.S. and Canada. This report takes a look at the current state of the segment, the challenges they face, what is driving business, plus, our recommendations for running a successful civil and infrastructure business.
• The U.S. Needs More Engineers - Every year, the US will need about 400,000 new engineers. Yet the next-generation skill sets that those engineers will require are sorely lacking, presenting the alarming possibility that nearly one in three engineering roles will remain unfilled each year through at least 2030. This persistent talent gap risks short-circuiting the progress of several essential industries.