The US President has pledged to invest more in science and engineering to ensure that the country remains a world leader in the fields.

Speaking during a visit to Fremont, California, Barack Obama stated the nation should focus on development of green technology in order to strengthen the sectors and create more jobs.

He was given a tour of the Solyndra manufacturing plant, which makes solar panels, in addition to delivering the speech, in which he declared: "We've got to go back to making things. We've got to go back to exports. We've got to go back to innovation."

According to Mr Obama, it is important that the government works alongside specialists in order to "explore all alternative options" to fossil fuels in the wake of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, something which may particularly interest those seeking engineering jobs in the US.

Recent American employment figures indicated levels rose in 38 of the 50 states during April this year, as the country's economy continues to strengthen in the wake of the global crisis.

Posted by Fiona Summers