The debate continues regarding whether there will eventually be major labor shortages in the U. S. With the big jump in the percent unemployed last week, many will probably be even more skeptical.

However, the argument must move beyond what is going to happen to the average worker. If the nation is going to maintain any semblance of the GDP growth of the past decade, government and business must do something to educate and motivate skilled workers.

Engineers are a frightening example. Many reports have been published about a shortage that already exists in many of the engineering disciplines in the U. S. (a recent example was Workforce Management’s repor that “Engineers, Machinists, Tradesmen in Short Supply” (link). Many executives and government specialists may be counting on importing that talent from abroad. Recent international reports will question that assumption.

The Financial Times reported on May 12, 2008 that “Germany, home of the engineer, faces acute skill shortage.” (Registration required). The FT reports that there are 95,000 unfilled posts in Germany.

 The International Herald Tribune reports on June 8, 2008 that “Japan is running out of engineers.” (Link).

Hmmmm. The three largest economies, and the three that were responsible for such a large percent of the technical innovations for several decades, are now running short of technical innovators.

Would anyone who does not think that we have a workforce crisis, and that we need to desperately work to keep our current technical people in the workforce, please detail why not in a response!