Youth with autism, like youth from other disability subgroups, often participate in state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs to obtain employment. While youth with autism represent a small percentage of all VR closures, the number with autism who closed out of VR more than tripled between 2003 and 2008 (see figure). In this Data Note, the…

Government programs and renewed industrial activity have combined with stable enrollments to create bright job prospects for civil engineers. Areas with good opportunities include highway reconstruction and rehabilitation, water-resource management, and new factory construction. The subspecialty of structural engineering has a growing need in…

Employment opportunities remain high for electrical/electronic (EE) engineering; although leveling-off has occurred in the personal computer area, there is expansion potential in telecommunications. Specific skills sought by EE employers and data on women in EE fields are noted. (DH)

After several lean years, chemical engineering (a popular discipline among women) is witnessing a higher job demand for new graduates. Companies show a trend toward specialty chemicals with resultant needs for more engineering talent. Other opportunities in the field include agriculture and food processing, environmental control, biotechnology,…

Recent economic growth and improved manufacturing profitability are supporting increased employment for industrial engineers. Promising areas include modernizing manufacturing technology and productivity with large amounts of hiring in aerospace, electronics, and instrumentation. Percentages of women employed in these fields for 1982 and 1983 are…

Huge defense budgets and a commercial aircraft comeback are contributing to high demands for aeronautical engineers. Job offers are plentiful and are expected to rise by 41 percent from 1982 to 1995. Federal space programs will provide additional employment opportunities. (DH)

Although heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineering degrees are not offered, there is a serious need for specialists and consultants in this area (since most have been trained as mechanical engineers). Opportunities exist for individuals possessing a customer-oriented attitude, with knowledge in computerized controls, innovative…

Despite slack in some computer companies, overall demand for new electrical and electronic graduates continues to be strong. Employment potential also exists in such areas as government, manufacturing, utilities, and defense (especially aerospace industries). (DH)

Although Hispanic-Americans are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States and have higher participation rates for males in the workforce than Whites or Blacks, there continue to be significant barriers to the employment of Hispanics. The major barriers to job success include lack of English proficiency and early withdrawal…

Reviews topics from editorials in "Graduating Engineer" in the 1980's. Discusses the state of the economy at present, as well as new technology and jobs in engineering fields. Cites manufacturing excellence as a present theme in the engineering field. (CW)

This exploratory resource allocation model for implementing community-based supported employment services for persons with mental retardation uses a multivariate linear regression approach to project the hours required to develop a job site based on the size of the community, the rate of unemployment, and the percent of service jobs. (Author/DB)

In 1983, Drexel University became one of the first universities in the country to require all incoming students to have personal access to a microcomputer. To support this program, a considerable staff was needed to perform ongoing functions as well as numerous special-purpose, one-time-only tasks. This paper describes the positions that were…

Discusses the computer engineering industry in the United States. Recounts recent shifts in the computer industry and notes that despite foreign competition, the industry offers graduating computer engineers ample opportunities for employment. Claims that skill and technical knowledge are the most important assets for getting a job. (TW)

Discusses civil engineering employment opportunities; indicates that the field is shrinking. Presents national placement and enrollment statistics. Identifies building and construction materials, and public works as areas of current and expanding opportunities. (CW)

Discusses the effects of technological advancement on the labor force. States that although technological innovation usually affects blue collar workers more than scientists and engineers, there is some evidence to show that the rapid growth in technological careers is not proportional in all industries. (TW)