I stumbled on this nice paper about how the “STEM” shortage is not real. It basically proves what allot in the industry already know. My thoughts, back in the 90’s when the demand was up, wages where up too, also employers where not so picky about the skill sets as they are today. Instead they would train you to fill in the gaps.
What is interesting is how many folks graduate with STEM programs, and end up not working in STEM based stuff at all, over 50%.
I think importing folks is important, but it should be the “best and the brightest” and they should have a green card so they can move around. Not the “cheap” and body shops we have today.