Training The New Types Of Engineers

It is particularly interesting at this time to notice the recommendations of F. L. Bishop, clean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering as to the types of engineers required and the training that should be given each type. Dr. Bishop's recommendations, which follow, are substantially the same as the first two recommendations made by resolution at the National Conference recently held to discuss commercial engineering problems. This provided business training for the engineer arid engineering training for commercial enterprises. Dr. Bishop says: "The first type is that of the man who may be called a technician, who is highly trained in science and mathematics, who possess the instinct of the research man and who can devote his entire time to highly technical research problems, either in the research laboratories which are now rapidly being developed in the large industries, or by applying the results of his research to engineering science. For the training of this type of man, there is needed the best of scientific equipment, the members of the faculty must be those who are intimately interested in research problems, and the student himself must have what is sometimes called a mathematical mind. It is doubtful if this type of nan can be developed in a four-year course under existing conditions. In fact, it is probable that such a man can be developed only M. a school which has a thorough graduate department. "The second type which seems to be demanded by the industries is the man who has a broad general knowledge of engineering subjects and can apply that knowledge in an effective way in present engineering problems. He must have ability to command men, a knowledge of the applications of economic principles to industries, and a broad training in the so-called humanities, since he is the man in contact with men of other types in other fields of human activities. He should not be a research man, his training in mathematics need not be of necessity so extensive as that of the research technician, but his understanding of engineering problems should be extensive. Such a man cannot be trained in the ordinary schools because of the artificial conditions which of necessity exist in academic institutions. He must become familiar with the industries while yet, a student in order that he may understand thoroughly the application of his theoretical courses in school and their application to industries, and also that he may become familiar in the formative period of life with the problems of labor and the human factor in engineering. It is in the development of this type of man, who is to become. the manager and operating head of our large manufacturing industries, that the advantages to be derived from the cooperative system of engineering education are needed."