At graduation time, many college graduates are worried about finding employment in a tough job market. You might be surprised, then, to learn that Washington employers in some sectors are struggling to find Washington-trained employees.

Meeting burgeoning industry demand in the state for engineers and computer scientists will require a joint, concerted and continuing effort between public and private partners. At Washington State University, we are making significant strides toward that goal, and I look forward to working with partners around the state to build on those efforts.

Washington was recently ranked first in the nation for the share of workers in high-tech industries at 11.4 percent. Yet, we rank near the bottom when it comes to producing graduates with engineering and computer science degrees. The power industry is also facing the challenge of an aging workforce, with one-half of employees becoming eligible for retirement in the next five years.

Our engineering and computer science graduates play an essential role in growing our economy in a wide range of high-technology fields, including the electric power and aerospace industries.

Last year, the Washington Legislature recognized the problem and directed that $3.8 million currently used to support other programs at WSU and University of Washington be spent to grow engineering and computer science enrollments to meet this industry demand. As a result, we are rapidly growing our engineering and computer science programs by 30 percent, allowing 425 more students to enroll.

Washington State University has launched innovative programs that partner with private-sector employers to develop graduates with job-ready knowledge and skills in rapidly evolving, high-tech industries.

After several years of providing ongoing support, Avista Corp. has recently forged such a partnership with WSU that promises to benefit our students, regional employers and the state. Supporting research and innovation is critical to preparing students for new smart grid technologies.

With a $325,000 pledge, spread over five years, Avista is supporting WSU’s newly established Energy Systems Innovation Center as well as the school’s undergraduate power engineering curriculum. Avista is investing in state-of-the-art technology for the power engineering laboratory to ensure students are learning applicable skills for careers in the utility industry. Students will also participate in researching new technologies to help people conserve energy and use it more efficiently. Beyond the classroom, Avista provides scholarships for engineering students and access to its engineering student employment program.

Avista and other utilities anticipate the need to hire engineers during the next 10 years, and these professionals will need exposure to the latest power engineering curriculum, technology and equipment during their undergraduate studies.

This is just one example of the type of strong collaboration that ensures that our students will be ready to fill Washington’s high-technology workplace.

This higher education and private-sector partnership has also provided benefits to the Pullman community. The Smart Grid Demonstration Project has earned the city the distinction of being the first “Smart City” in the Northwest. WSU students have been a part of the research associated with the project and have been able to work side-by-side with Avista project leaders, gaining valuable real-world experience in cutting-edge smart grid technologies. Residents participating in the project can access energy usage information to help make more informed choices about how to manage energy use. Plus, Pullman has received national recognition.

Eight WSU research groups also recently received support through the new Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation, established by the Washington Legislature and governor’s office to address technological questions important to the Washington aerospace industry. Their efforts help to support our state’s aerospace industry by pursuing research relevant to aerospace companies and by providing industry-focused research opportunities for students.

These types of partnerships and collaboration help to build our future workforce, drive innovation and ultimately build a stronger economy for the entire state of Washington.