Shortage of engineers looms as demand rises

The demand for mechanical engineers is seen growing along with the rapid industrialization growth of the country, this according to the national president of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Vicente B. Vosotros during the 55th PSME National Convention last Thursday at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Vosotros said that in Cebu alone, which is considered a highly industrialized area, the demand for mechanical engineers is increasing.

He added that local mechanical engineers are highly competitive and have skills that are of world-class quality, the reason of which companies from all parts of the world prefer their services. 

He admitted though that since many mechanical engineers leave the country for better financial and career opportunities abroad, the country is slowly facing a backlog of mechanical engineers similar to other industries as well.

But in terms of quality, he said that the academe is still capable of producing graduates that are equipped with the right skills.

Featuring the industry’s latest technology geared towards the achievement of global competitiveness, the PSME kicked off with the Mechanika 2007 with its theme “International Exhibition on Technology Optimization for Global Competitiveness,” which was participated by about 700 mechanical engineer members of PSME coming from their 88 chapters all over the country.

Vosotros said the convention primarily provided a venue for all their members to participate and contribute to the social, economical and industrial growth of the country through the advancement of the art, science and the practice of Mechanical Engineering.

“The convention touches issues regarding the basic practice in the mechanical engineering profession, the concerns of each member are tackled and it is also where solutions are presented to the body for possible resolution,” said Vosotros.

 About 42 exhibitors offering and promoting varied products and technology for the industrial and commercial needs joined the conference.

 The three-day convention will end with a send-off party at the CICC today. With this year’s convention, PSME is also helping members understand the provisions and importance of RA 8495, an act that contends that a specific plant cannot operate without mechanical engineers.

The convention he said aims basically to address the inherent concerns of the profession and the industry through the technical papers that are presented by mechanical engineers who have researched about these relevant topics. The topics he said is very much helpful to the industry sector, the profession and the academe.

Vosotros highlighted that yearly, different concerns are tackled in their convention as the needs of the industry changes. And he said that this is important for MEs to become competitive especially in today’s fast-paced society.