The key to addressing the manufacturing talent gap lies in the intelligent combination of technology and human workers, according to experts in the field. With the retirement of Baby Boomers taking valuable knowledge with them and a lack of skilled workers to replace them, the industry is facing a triple whammy. However, by combining talent development and technology, American industry has the potential to boost competitiveness and productivity.
Industry leaders like Jeannine Kunz emphasize the importance of not just adopting technology or focusing on employee reskilling individually, but rather integrating the two to create new opportunities and jobs within the workforce. Companies like SmithCo have successfully implemented automation projects to address skilled worker shortages, particularly in critical areas like welding.
In addition to automating rote, difficult, or dangerous work, technology also offers assistance for front-line workers. Augmentir’s Augie platform, for example, helps improve productivity and quality by digitizing and optimizing key tasks while providing support in multiple languages.
The long-term solution to the workforce challenge involves inviting workers to offer their own solutions. When employees feel safe and confident in their abilities to suggest automation solutions, knowing that higher-level roles will be created, it leads to a powerful combination of technology and teamwork. By aligning talent management with key performance indicators and involving workers in the decision-making process, the manufacturing industry can bridge the talent gap and thrive in the modern era of technological advancement.
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