Mechanical engineering technology: ASME vision 2030's call for the future

In recent years, various professional societies or individuals such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (2008) or James Duderstadt (2008) have put forth statements outlining how engineering and engineering education should adapt to better meet the needs of society several decades in the future. Often, these studies do not specifically address engineering technology's role as a part of the educational and professional spectrum. Building on these previous works, this paper presents suggestions for changes to improve mechanical engineering technology education for the future. However, while focused on mechanical engineering technology, many of the points in the paper apply to all types of engineering technology education. The strengths of engineering technology graduates as engineering practitioners and as implementers of technology, job-ready, and focused on applied engineering are answers to what industry has told academia about the current needs of industry.