What skills are needed for workers to thrive in today’s manufacturing facilities?

Today’s manufacturing facilities are rapidly changing, and the skills needed to thrive in this environment are evolving with them. With the introduction of new technologies on the rise, companies are increasingly investing in upskilling or reskilling their employees to keep up with the ever-changing industry.

Companies are deploying various 10-year strategies to prepare for the disruption that comes with the increasing adoption of innovative technologies.

Image 1: Actions taken in preparation for the changes in the next 10 years.

Most efforts underway involve piloting new technologies, retraining employees, or hiring workers who have the desired tech-centric skill sets. With high-tech manufacturing solutions becoming commonplace in facilities around the world, these 10-year strategies can help members of the workforce anticipate what changes are to come.

A 2021 World Economic Forum report has predicted that over half of all employees worldwide will need to reskill or upskill by 2025. Companies that invest in their employees are more likely to attract and retain the talent they need. In fact, a Gallup report states that almost 90% of Millennials—currently the largest worker segment in the United States—greatly value opportunities for professional development and career growth.

As more and more manufacturing facilities adopt innovative technology, workers can grow with their companies by adapting their skill sets. Here are some examples of highly sought-after skills in the manufacturing industry:

1. Openness to change

The adoption of innovative technologies is already underway and rising quickly. The 2023 MHI Report predicts that the use of robotics and automation technologies in the supply chain will reach almost 80% within the next 5 years, saying that the technology “has become table stakes for operations to remain competitive.”

Manufacturers are looking for workers that embrace new technologies and look forward to what the future holds. Employees with a growth mindset will thrive in an evolving environment by remaining open to learning how to operate new technologies and working alongside robot co-workers.

2. Problem solving & critical thinking

As supply chains grow more complex, employees who tap into their problem solving and critical thinking skills will unlock new opportunities for themselves at work. Innovative solutions need internal champions who are willing to learn how the systems work and can find new ways to improve efficiency through data analysis.

3. Interpersonal skills

Robotics and automation are capable of many repetitive tasks, but the key to successful manufacturing operations is the interpersonal approach people bring to the floor. People possess the unique capabilities of creativity, leadership, collaboration, and managing conflict, all of which are skills necessary in manufacturing environments.

In fact, compared to both all-human teams and fully-automated factories, manufacturing processes are faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective when people and robots work together. Veo Robotics found idle time was reduced by 85% when compared to all-human teams. When people and robots work side-by-side, they reach an ideal middle ground between speed and versatility. The unique skill set of workers and the efficiency of robots make up for any shortcomings on either side alone.