Many have written about the threat of robots and automation to jobs in industry. The truth is quite the opposite. Automation and Industry 4.0 present an opportunity that is giving rise to what is referred to as the ‘skills currency’.
As technology is transforming industry, firms are changing the way in which they are hiring talent. Technological skills and employability skills (sometimes referred to as soft skills) are becoming the professional currency with which applicants are being evaluated.
When evaluating the needs of businesses adopting Industry 4.0 – this new hiring paradigm becomes very clear and logical.
The shift from ‘Industry 3.0’ to Industry 4.0 involves the connectivity of the machines, sensors, motors and PLCs over a network. Industry 4.0 continues with collection of data which is critical to improving the efficiency of the operation, as well as actions that need to be taken because of the data analysis (e.g. preventative maintenance and optimization).
When looking at the required skill set for such an operation, siloed expertise in fields such as Programmable Ladder Logic or mechanical systems is not enough. The emphasis shifts to technological interoperability and problem-solving skills.
One of the challenges with the adoption of Industry 4.0 is the huge skills gap and lack of talent to fill in high level integrator positions in industry. This position will need to own all the automation as well as the network and data collection and analysis aspects – all of which become mission critical.
The good news is that companies like Intelitek are responding to this challenge in partnership with leading companies in Industry, in order to provide a comprehensive program that will enable training on three levels:
Our programs are designed in a blended approach – so that students go through a curriculum that leads to hands on activities on physical trainers built with industrial equipment.
Intelitek programs lead to both micro-credentials for every subject area, as well as high level certification – at each of the levels described above.
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