The passage of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to aid in rebuilding the nation's infrastructure is creating a fertile grounds for new engineers, architects and other experts. The federal government spending of $110 billion on road and bridge infrastructure is going to need a lot of brain power behind it.

 According to Moody's Investors Service, the passage of law will result in a 5% increase in federal construction spending in the United States in 2022, followed by a 5.5% increase in 2023. The growth rates will exceed the total spending increase by roughly 2%. The White House has stated that the bill would generate 1.5 million jobs annually for the next decade.

Not just federal agencies, but state and local governments will also manage the spending and implement the law's requirements. 

Engineers, skilled laborers, project managers, construction specialists, truck drivers, architects, and cybersecurity experts will be needed to fulfill this vision.

In response to the nation's aging infrastructure needs and persistent labor shortage, three construction and engineering trade associations —  the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Public Works Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers —  have launched a campaign to promote career opportunities in the industry.

Infrastructure Works, an engineering and public works roadshow will highlight industry projects that improve climate resilience, ensure the delivery of clean air and water, and promote energy efficiency over the following months.

The organizations will host events across the country to promote engineering and public works professions to attract students and future employees. 

The initiative comes at a crucial time. 

The ACEC Research Institute estimates that the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress last year will create more than 82,000 full- and part-time jobs in engineering, public works, and design services over the next five years. 

Finding professionals to fill these roles is significant given the industry's unprecedented workforce shortages.

This magnitude of job development should be good news for the industrial sector, highlighting the nation's interesting, diverse, and well-compensated employment possibilities. Moreover, other projects will create new, competitive opportunities in some of the most remote corners of the United States, thereby improving the long-term career prospects of thousands of Americans.

According to a recent ACEC Research Institute survey, two-thirds of ACEC member firms expect to increase their project backlog over the next year. Currently, the median backlog is 11 months, with 49% of respondents reporting a one-year or longer backlog.

"This partnership will showcase future-ready engineering projects and innovation and introduce the public, and particularly our young citizens, to the wonder of engineered systems and infrastructure, as well as the benefits of a creative and rewarding career in engineering and design," explained Tom Smith, ASCE executive director.

Follow Contractor News for the latest development in the public works construction industry.