According to a report by BusinessWeek, Boeing’s Chairman and CEO James McNerney voiced concerns last week regarding the quality of U.S. education, warning that the nation is producing too few STEM graduates [science, technology, engineering, and math]. According to the report, he believes we are experiencing an “innovation deficit” inhibiting our ability to compete against China, India, and “places in the Middle East.”
Ironically, Boeing (that same week) sent layoff notices to another 1,000 employees. These actions were confirmed by a company spokesman, stating that the workforce cuts were primarily in IT support. The irony continues in that these laid off STEM employees could be hired as “freelancers” in the company’s R&D areas.
In his speech, McNerney said: “We face a global skill shortage. The problem is growing acute in the U.S. We face a skill shortage, not a labor shortage.” At the time of this post, we were unable to seek the rebuttal of the 1,000 former Boeing employees.
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The incubator for STEM graduates was blossoming today as hundreds of budding engineers converge on The Citadel for the 11th Annual Engineering Fair last weekend (2/27/10). eLifespaces’ own, Anthony Cargile kicked butt, capturing the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the multiple categories.
A bridge building competition using craft sticks, designed to test bridges via a strength-to-weight ratio was the focal competition among area students. Awards were given for most original design, most constructible and best craftsmanship. Anthony placed in fourteen (yes, 14) positions.
We are certainly proud of Anthony. Over the years, eLifespaces has had many crafted practitioners join our team. Anthony is one of those brilliant stars who are destine for great things.
This news comes in the wake of comments referenced above. Combining these two bits of news… no wonder Boeing is relocating to Charleston, SC.
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