In 1991, a study was conducted by Oakland Community College (OCC) to evaluate the need for a proposed Civil Engineering Technology program. An initial examination of the literature focused on industry needs and the job market for civil engineering technicians. In order to gather information on local area employers' hiring practices and needs, a survey was sent to 75 local engineering firms. The survey, which addressed the specific areas of employment demand, employment benefits, and career preparation, yielded a 76% response rate. Key findings included the following: (1) over 67% of the survey respondents currently employed civil engineering technicians, and while almost 69% were not currently hiring new technicians, over 72% anticipated hiring them within the next 5 years; (2) the literature in all major journals reviewed suggested that there was a serious shortage of civil engineer technicians and civil engineers; (3) according to the Michigan Occupational Information System, annual salaries for civil engineering technicians who hold associate degrees range from $9,360 to $18,000 in the state; (4) over 76% of survey respondents indicated that it was not possible to advance to the position of civil engineer without obtaining a bachelor's degree; (5) a total of six institutions of higher education in Michigan offered programs in civil engineering technology or civil technology; (6) over 88% of survey respondents felt that there was a need for more training/associate degree programs in civil engineering technology; and (7) over 43% of respondents indicated that they would be interested in having an OCC student work as an intern during the student's college training. Appendixes provide the survey instrument and a list of firms willing to accept an OCC student intern. (JMC)