The high demand for engineers
Illinois' infrastructure is a reflection of the innovation and ingenuity of our great state. From the towering bridges over the Mississippi River to the roads and rail lines that tie our nation together, Illinois' richest resources lie in the strength of structures designed by engineers.
At this moment, Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan and the Illinois Tollway's Move Illinois capital program are improving on and investing in our state's infrastructure to ensure Illinois remains the nation's transportation infrastructure hub for decades to come. Together, these investments are already creating an increasing demand for skilled engineers that the industry has not seen in recent memory.
Unfortunately, in Illinois and throughout the country, the engineering field is experiencing an alarming trend. Nationally, 52% of engineering firms are having difficulty filling open positions with qualified workers. This comes at a time when engineering jobs are projected to grow steadily over the next decade to meet the nation's rapidly increasing infrastructure needs.
That's why the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has enlisted public and private partners to join forces in promoting the tremendous opportunities that a career in engineering presents to students.
For a young person looking to make a difference, a career in engineering provides a lifelong path of opportunity. Ten of the seventeen highest paying careers in the country are in the engineering field with most not requiring advanced degrees.
Through this campaign, ACEC Illinois has organized resources outlining the various opportunities in the engineering field, made available to educators across Illinois as they seek ways to showcase career opportunities to students.
As the state of Illinois' largest infrastructure agencies, IDOT and the Illinois Tollway are proud to join the engineering community in this important effort to develop the next generation of engineers right here in Illinois.
Omer Osman, Illinois Transportation Secretary
José Alvarez, Illinois Tollway Executive Director