These 4 issues are creating an engineer shortage in WNY

Published July 19, 2022

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Buffalo Business First reports that some companies in the greater Buffalo area are struggling to hire engineers. The article quotes Kemper Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, who noted there are 7,400 engineering students enrolled at UB and that the school has intern programs with all major local engineering firms.

We do try and make sure the best talent stays local,” Lewis said. “It is important to us and the community.” The articles states that “UB’s national reputation for the engineering program attracts out-of-town firms that recruit the graduating class.”

“Many get interesting offers,” Lewis said. “I’ll be the first to admit there is more and more competition for our graduates.”

Read the story here. The Niagara Gazette also reported on UB’s plans for a new $102 million building on North Campus to accommodate the growth of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The project is supported by $68 million from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers.