Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. Since the Industrial Revolution, new technologies have consistently reshaped the workplace, but adopting automation and AI is accelerating these changes significantly. While these advancements offer substantial benefits, they pose significant challenges for the workforce.
Addressing Skill Gaps in the Digital Age
According to a recent McKinsey Global Institute report, by 2030, up to 375 million workers – about 14% of the global workforce – might need to switch occupational categories due to the impacts of digitalization, automation, and AI advancements. The outcome of this technological shift depends on the adoption process, which is often complex, as proved by previous technological revolutions. Integrating these technologies into workflows requires careful planning and execution.
Facilitating skills training and enabling upskilling and reskilling can ease this transition. A McKinsey survey conducted among companies in various sectors found that 66% of executives consider addressing automation-related skill gaps a priority.
Continuous Learning in Industry 4.0
Adapting to new technologies hinges on upskilling and reskilling. Around the world, some of the most advanced Industry 4.0 plants are evolving by training their existing internal workforce and talent in new skills.
This approach focuses on both upskilling and reskilling:
- Upskilling: enhancing existing skills and knowledge to meet evolving job requirements. It’s about staying relevant and competitive within one’s current field;
- Reskilling: acquiring new skills, often transitioning to a different occupation.
Continuous learning is crucial for employees to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, stay updated with the latest developments, and remain relevant in the job market. Additionally, career development through continuous learning enhances employability and provides opportunities for career advancement.
Key Benefits of Manufacturing Training
A manufacturing training program equips employees with essential skills in processes like designing, testing, production, and quality control. It boosts productivity, ensures a safe work environment, and helps new workers adapt quickly. As the industrial sector evolves with new techniques and technologies, ongoing training is vital for staying current and promoting professional growth.
- Faster Onboarding: An engaging training program helps new operators and entry-level employees acquire the necessary skills and quickly master their responsibilities by providing essential tools and techniques, making onboarding more effective.
- Keeps Operators Safe: Effective training ensures new hires can perform tasks safely, reducing the risk of accidents. Augmented Reality (AR) can enhance training by allowing operators to practice without risk, improving safety and efficiency.
- Enhances Efficiency: Effective training reduces mistakes, improving employee and production efficiency. Furthermore, redeployment of employees, intended to distribute tasks and redesign work processes, can maximize the use of existing skill capacity. By restructuring tasks or shifting employees to new responsibilities, companies can ensure that their workforce is utilized efficiently and effectively.
- Boosts Retention and Satisfaction: Organizations should focus on skills training to ensure talent retention and enhance overall performance. Investing in retraining programs allows companies to elevate the skill levels of their current employees, enabling them to adapt to new technologies and job requirements. By focusing on skills training, organizations can preserve valuable in-house knowledge, experience, and understanding of company culture, which are critical for maintaining operational continuity and fostering a cohesive work environment.
How to Develop an Effective Manufacturing Training Program
Plant managers face significant challenges in retaining new workers due to inadequate training. The aging workforce and difficulties in attracting and keeping talent aggravate these issues. Relying solely on shadowing as a training strategy is insufficient and more likely to lead to human errors. How can manufacturers develop efficient training strategies?
Manufacturers should start by designing training programs that align with their operations and goals to train manufacturing operators effectively. It’s important to assess current skill levels, identify gaps, set clear training objectives, and determine Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success. Integrating lean manufacturing principles can foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Regularly assessing skill gaps and developing comprehensive training programs that include courses, workshops, e-learning, mentoring, and coaching is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Creating a learning culture where employees clearly see the benefits of training on their skills encourages continuous improvement and personal development.
As automation takes over standard and transactional work, the need for roles requiring creative and interpersonal skills will increase. By eliminating routine tasks, employees can focus on continuous improvement through creativity and teamwork, which adds significant value to the organization.
Conclusion
As automation and AI reshape industries, upskilling and reskilling will be crucial for employees and organizations. By investing in continuous learning and creating a supportive environment for skill development, the workforce can more easily adapt to these technological advancements while driving organizational growth and innovation.
In Atlas Copco, we offer several training programs for proper training for production line and other manufacturing personnel, both online and physical. Contact us to learn how to ensure a smooth transition toward Industry 4.0.
