The Connection to the 21st Century Workforce: Technology and Engineering Education

Overview & Synopsis

Building a competitive workforce for the 21st Century requires the careful alignment of K-12 and university curricula with the skill needs of business and industry. In addition to making students better problem solvers, critical thinkers, and users of technology, academic preparation must instill in them the desire to become lifelong learners, willing and able to adjust and adapt to changes in workforce skill requirements resulting from fast-changing global markets. This publication provides a snapshot of the current state of the economy and workforce, followed by the identification and requirements of knowledge and abilities needed for 21st Century occupations, an explanation of how technology and engineering education programs promote learning about technology and can be taught in exciting ways that motivate learners to pursue STEM occupations, chapters that explain the contributions of technology and engineering education, K-12, a chapter explaining how technology and engineering teacher education can prepare teachers to deliver the education that is needed by students of the 21st Century, and an overview of the benefits business and industry can expect from the recommendations made within this publication.