Consortium on Engineering Shortfall (MSET)

A major deterrent to Edwards accepting additional workload was a shortfall in engineers.  A Math, Science, Engineering and Technology (MSET) Consortium was established to look into the problem, validate the need for more engineers and recommend appropriate solutions.  The Consortium is made up of a cross section of the community.  Industry, federal and local governments, academia from elementary through college levels, and interested citizens are all represented.

The Consortium found that the shortfall not only impacted on Edwards, but also on the aerospace industry in the Aerospace Valley.  Equally important is the impact on trained technicians.  The Consortium found that on average four technicians are required for each engineering position.  After researching the problem it became obvious that local students that left the area for an education seldom returned to work in the Antelope Valley.  Likewise, engineers hired from outside of the local area cost industry an average of $70, 000 just for moving costs.  It was also discovered that these individuals were more likely to leave employment here as soon as the opportunity presented itself.  This provides for a non-stable workforce.  The bottom line was we had to find a way to “Grow Our Own” Engineers.

New Local 4-Year Engineering Curriculum

An implementation plan is well under way and the first local California State University-Fresno engineering class is currently being taught through distance learning.  In addition, California State University-Bakersfield will begin classes at the new University Center in Lancaster on September 14th, just a couple of days away.

Project Lead the Way

We have also implemented a pre-engineering program called Project Lead the Way in several local schools.  Lancaster High School is in its second year with 50 students, Highland High School is beginning this month with 90 students enrolled and another 20 on a waiting list.  Tehachapi High School is also starting a program this month.

Planned Education Deliverables

• Completed Laboratories

• Increased Student Enrollment

• New Areas of Study

Project Organization

• Chairman: Bob Johnstone, ECA Executive Director, is Chairman of the ECA Education Project

• Vice Chairman: Dr. Les Uhazy, Dean of Math/Science at Antelope Valley College

Project Background

The entire aerospace industry has a problem acquiring sufficient engineers to absorb additional work. It is critical for the long-term preservation of Edwards Air Force Base to be able to locally recruit from an educated workforce to fulfill its Department of Defense flight test missions.

In response to the engineering shortfall in the Aerospace Valley, in 2002, ECA and the Aerospace Office have brought members from academia (elementary to college), industry, government and interested individuals together to form the Math, Science, Education and Technology consortium (MSET).

Many educational initiatives have been taken in support of MSET in the past several years. Now that BRAC-2005 is complete, ECA is focusing its resources on completion of the new engineering labs at the Lancaster University Center. These labs will be an integral part of the new four-year engineering degree being offered by the California State University at Fresno at the Lancaster University Center.

4-Year College Degree Programs Need Local Donors

California State University Bakersfield and California State University Fresno have joined with the Antelope Valley Community College and the City of Lancaster to provide four-year bachelor and graduate level degree programs locally beginning in August 2004.  Degrees in liberal arts and engineering are intended to support business, industry and government in the Aerospace Valley region.

The University Expansion Program has been established to enable local business, industry and government to participate in the expansion of the ongoing liberal arts, and engineering programs to enable college students and valley employees to complete their college degrees, specialized education, internships and co-operative educational activity without leaving the Antelope Valley.

This enables business, industry and government partners to develop and recruit from a local pool of well-educated personnel, and to upgrade the education and skills of existing personnel. Participation from local business, industry and government is critical to this programs success, especially at this time when the California State budget precludes any expansion of educational efforts. Donation of funds and the loan of equipment will be used directly for faculty, equipment, and student support. You may direct the specific area that you want to support.

Funds or equipment may be donated through the Lancaster Community Services Foundation, a Non-Profit Public Benefit 501(C) (3) Charitable Educational Corporation marked for the “University Expansion Program”, Attention Mr. Gary Hill, 44933 N. Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534, or donate directly to the CSUB or CSUF. Both institutions qualify as Hispanic serving institutions.

Aerospace Valley -- Joint Engineering Program

• Industry identified shortfall in finding sufficient engineers

• Established Math, Science, Engineering and Technology Consortium

• Involved Industry, local government, academia, federal government, and individuals

• Identified scope of problem

• Recommend this solution:

“GROW OUR OWN ENGINEERS”