According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for all engineers will increase by 11 percent over the next eight years. Students who wish to focus on the mechanical aspect of this industry will discover that some schools are partnering with organizations in an attempt to provide experiential learning.
For instance, Auburn University's Laboratory for Innovative Technology and Engineering Education (LITEE) recently announced that it will combine its efforts with Toolwire - a company that offers hands-on training products, scenarios and services.
Through this collaboration, first-year engineering students will acquire experience in the mechanical aspects of the field in an instructional and hands-on environment.
By using one of LITEE's space shuttle case studies, the scenarios that enrollees will learn about involve objectives such as understanding design principles as well as communication. Students will be expected to take on the role of a mechanical engineering professional and participate in trainings, discussions, presentations and conversations.
Individuals in this program will also be allowed to demonstrate their problem-solving knowledge when real-life issues arise in the scenario.
Chetan S. Sankar, a case study expert from Auburn University, said that "instructional environments? such as these immersive scenarios are undeniably on the threshold of cutting-edge technology in education and professional training."
Payscale.com reports that mechanical engineers have the potential to make more than $73,000 per year.
