Engineering the Future Workforce

Strengthening Global Talent Pipelines Through Microcredentials and Collaboration with Octavio Heredia of Arizona State University

Access to world-class education is rapidly being redefined, and learners everywhere are demanding flexible, verifiable pathways that keep pace with innovation. In this episode, we’re joined by Octavio Heredia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/octavioheredia/], Director, Global Outreach and Extended Education, Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University [https://www.linkedin.com/school/arizona-state-university/], to explore how stackable microcredentials, global partnerships and learning-employment records are shaping the future of engineering education. We discuss how ASU is meeting learners where they are, how industry and academia can co-create scalable solutions, and what it truly means to cultivate lifelong “master learners.” Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:27 Octavio reflects on witnessing ASU’s transformation over 23 years. 04:43 Microcredentials meet rapidly changing learner and industry needs. 10:25 A microcredential framework improved learner motivation and targeted skill growth. 15:00 Clearer microcredential messaging remains a work in progress. 20:07 Alignment, transparency, and collaboration make hard partnerships worthwhile. 24:33 Fast-changing, complex industries make alignment challenging. 30:01 Learning records aim to empower learners to tell their full skills story. 32:46 The goal to develop master learners equipped to grow and adapt. Resources Mentioned: Arizona State University | Website [https://www.asu.edu/] ASU Microcredential Programs [https://asuengineeringonline.com/microcredentials] Trusted Learner Network [https://tln.asu.edu/] ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering [https://engineering.asu.edu/] Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering

Expanding Quality Assurance and Credentials in Engineering Education with Jessica Silwick, CFO/COO of ABET

Engineering education is evolving fast — and the way we assess skills, validate learning and prepare future talent must evolve with it. In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Silwick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-silwick-cpa-mba-cae-46935035/], CFO and COO of ABET [https://www.linkedin.com/company/abet-/], to explore how academic assessment, peer feedback and credential recognition are reshaping pathways into STEM careers. Jessica shares how ABET is setting global standards for quality assurance, why assessment is central to a growth mindset and how microcredentials are changing the landscape of lifelong learning. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:07 Jessica discovers her passion for STEM while working with engineers. 04:06 ABET builds quality assurance services and training for evolving STEM needs. 09:11 Siemens chosen as pilot partner for shared commitment to quality education. 14:15 Thoughtful assessment fosters self-reflection, growth and adaptability. 19:09 Continuous feedback and peer review drive innovation and improvement. 22:37 Self and peer assessment build accountability and support growth. 28:37 Microcredentials and essential skills build a growth mindset. 36:59 Credentials expand access to skills and unlock new career opportunities. Resources Mentioned: Jessica Silwick [https://www.abet.org/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-silwick-cpa-mba-cae-46935035/ ABET⁠ [https://www.abet.org/] | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/abet-/ ABET [https://www.abet.org/] | Website https://www.abet.org/ Siemens Digital Industries Software [https://www.sw.siemens.com/en-US/] https://www.sw.siemens.com/en-US/ Washington Accord [https://www.internationalengineeringalliance.org/accords/washington-accord] https://www.internationalengineeringalliance.org/accords/washington-accord Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering

Making Sustainability Core to Engineering Education with Suavi Yildirim of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Blending immersive technology with sustainable thinking can help future engineers tackle real-world challenges from day one. In this episode, we’re joined by Suavi Yildirim [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suaviyildirim/], Graduate Research Assistant of Institute FAPS/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faps-fau/], to explore how immersive engineering tools like VR, XR and digital twins are reshaping sustainable design education. We dive into Suavi’s journey leading the winning team in the Siemens and Sony Immersive Design Challenge and how cross-disciplinary collaboration, mentorship and microcredentials play a role in preparing the next generation of engineers. Key Takeaways: (02:38) Suavi embraced sustainability after learning about the UN development goals. (04:50) Suavi’s winning project tackles EV battery challenges and has a strong B2B use case. (09:47) Immersive tools make sustainable design learning intuitive and accessible. (15:21) Siemens microcredentials embed sustainability through real-world learning. (19:55) Without practical experience, students miss sustainability’s role in engineering. (23:27) What matters most is the journey of constant learning and improvement. (26:17) Stay curious, follow your passion and link your work to real impact. (27:53) Suavi values teamwork, open ideas and engineering with real impact. Resources Mentioned: Suavi Yildirim [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suaviyildirim/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/suaviyildirim/ Institute FAPS/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faps-fau/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/faps-fau/ Institute FAPS | Website [https://faps.fau.de] https://faps.fau.de Siemens NX https://plm.sw.siemens.com/en-US/nx/ [https://plm.sw.siemens.com/en-US/nx/] Coursera [https://www.coursera.org/courseraplus?utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg&utm_campaign=b2c_apac_x_coursera_ftcof_courseraplus_cx_dr_bau_gg_sem_bd-ex_s2_all_m_hyb_23-12_x&campaignid=20989858741&adgroupid=157016705446&device=c&keyword=coursera&matchtype=e&network=g&devicemodel=&creativeid=696907040395&assetgroupid=&targetid=kwd-36262515261&extensionid=&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20989858741&gbraid=0AAAAADdKX6afEsK2Z2-lUcMCcLkbcBx7C&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjdB96xeO_OAUkx9Jwqc-ZfqzUqAiGHZnySO1nZbzcvs-WFyqbwUPvAaAqM3EALw_wcB] https://www.coursera.org/courseraplus?utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg&utm_campaign=b2c_apac_x_coursera_ftcof_courseraplus_cx_dr_bau_gg_sem_bd-ex_s2_all_m_hyb_23-12_x&campaignid=20989858741&adgroupid=157016705446&device=c&keyword=coursera&matchtype=e&network=g&devicemodel=&creativeid=696907040395&assetgroupid=&targetid=kwd-36262515261&extensionid=&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20989858741&gbraid=0AAAAADdKX6afEsK2Z2-lUcMCcLkbcBx7C&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjdB96xeO_OAUkx9Jwqc-ZfqzUqAiGHZnySO1nZbzcvs-WFyqbwUPvAaAqM3EALw_wcB Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering

Rethinking Credentials: The Shift Toward Digital Skills-Based Education with Michael Readey of University of Colorado Boulder and Christy Bozic of Duke University

Today’s students aren’t just looking for a degree; they’re looking for an edge in a fast-changing world. Employers, meanwhile, want skills they can see, not just credentials on paper. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Readey, Professor, Engineering Management, at University of Colorado Boulder, and Christy Bozic, Executive Director, Master of Engineering Management Program, at Duke University. We explore how universities and employers can align more effectively to build a future-ready workforce, starting with skills, sustainability and stackable learning models. Key Takeaways: (02:40) Students must adapt to rapid industry change. (05:08) Academia struggles to match the pace of tech. (08:43) Partnerships close education-industry gaps. (13:17) Siemens embeds sustainability across roles. (18:38) Employers prioritize skill-based hiring. (20:43) Stackable learning supports career mobility. (26:26) Most learners are early-career professionals. (30:14) Peer diversity enriches learning. (45:17) Faculty exchanges strengthen relevance. (50:02) Skills-based education is key to the future of learning. Resources Mentioned: Michael Readey https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-readey-16738112/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-readey-16738112/] University of Colorado Boulder https://www.linkedin.com/school/cuboulder/ [https://www.linkedin.com/school/cuboulder/] Christy Bozic https://www.linkedin.com/in/christybozicphd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christybozicphd/] Duke University https://www.linkedin.com/school/duke-engineering/ [https://www.linkedin.com/school/duke-engineering/] Project Drawdown https://drawdown.org/ [https://drawdown.org/] Coursera https://www.coursera.org/ [https://www.coursera.org/] ABET https://www.abet.org/ [https://www.abet.org/] Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering

How Engineering Students Can Gain a Competitive Edge With Credentials with Sophie Overstreet and Hani Qaqish of Siemens Digital Industries Software

In a competitive job market, continuous learning and industry-recognized credentials are more valuable than ever, and Sophie Overstreet [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-overstreet/], Learning Consultant, and Hani Qaqish [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hani-qaqish-1189a81a6/], Advanced Technical Product Manager, both of Siemens Digital Industries Software [https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemenssoftware/], know this firsthand. In this episode, they share insights into the evolving landscape of learning, credentials and the role of AI in education and professional development. Key Takeaways: (08:53) University learning often lacks real-world scale and complexity. (09:33) Credentials help shape career paths and boost confidence. (13:52) Siemens’ ambassador program connects students with industry. (18:04) NASA’s L’SPACE Academy bridges education and industry. (21:00) Employers increasingly value industry-specific credentials. (23:21) Certifications set candidates apart in hiring and career growth. (24:11) Men apply with 60% of qualifications; women wait for 90-95%. (32:10) Microcredentials will play a bigger role in workforce development. (37:34) AI speeds up learning and customizes content. (42:54) Universities must rethink workforce training to meet industry demands. Resources Mentioned: Siemens Digital Industries Software [https://www.sw.siemens.com/en-US/] NASA L’SPACE Academy [https://www.lspace.asu.edu/] Siemens Xcelerator Academy [https://training.plm.automation.siemens.com/index.cfm] Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.  #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering