Educating Engineering Technicians — Trends of Vital Importance to Employers and Educators

The author attempts to establish the concept of the speed with which technology is advancing; knowledge doubling every 10–12 years. Where formerly it took decades for an idea to develop into a usable product or service, industry is now thinking in terms of months and even weeks for translating new ideas into practical use. The status of professional scientists, engineers, and supporting technical personnel is reviewed, and a growing need for technicians for production occupations is indicated in the United States. We also present some impressions of our visit to the USSR to observe the development of middle technical education and technical personnel utilization.