The Future of Manufacturing Work: How Automation is Changing Talent Needs

Automation is fundamentally transforming manufacturing, and with it, the skills and talent that manufacturers need. As companies invest in robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing systems, the nature of manufacturing work is evolving. Understanding these changes is critical for both employers planning their talent strategy and workers planning their careers.

The Automation Revolution

Manufacturing automation is advancing rapidly:

Robotics: Industrial robots are handling more tasks, from assembly to material handling.

Artificial Intelligence: AI is being used for quality control, predictive maintenance, and process optimization.

Internet of Things (IoT): Connected devices provide real-time data on equipment and processes.

Advanced Analytics: Big data and analytics are driving decision-making.

Additive Manufacturing: 3D printing is changing how products are made.

Digital Twins: Virtual models of physical systems enable simulation and optimization.

How Automation Changes Talent Needs

Skills That Are Increasing in Demand

Technical Skills:

• Programming and coding (especially for robotics and automation)
• Data analysis and interpretation
• System integration and troubleshooting
• Understanding of automation systems
• Digital literacy

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Troubleshooting automated systems
• Root cause analysis
• Process optimization
• Continuous improvement

Adaptability:

• Willingness to learn new technologies
• Comfort with change
• Ability to work alongside automation

Collaboration:

• Working with cross-functional teams
• Communicating with engineers and technicians
• Collaborating with automated systems

Skills That Are Evolving

Traditional Manufacturing Skills: Still needed, but often in combination with new skills:

• Machine operation (now includes programming and monitoring)
• Quality control (now includes data analysis)
• Maintenance (now includes predictive maintenance and system integration)

Roles That Are Emerging

Automation Technicians: Specialists who maintain and troubleshoot automated systems.

Data Analysts: Professionals who analyze manufacturing data to improve processes.

Robotics Programmers: Workers who program and optimize robotic systems.

Systems Integrators: Specialists who integrate different automation systems.

Predictive Maintenance Specialists: Workers who use data to predict and prevent equipment failures.

What This Means for Employers

Recruitment Challenges

Finding Workers with New Skills: Workers with automation and data skills are in high demand across industries.

Training Existing Workers: Existing workers may need significant training to work with new systems.

Competition for Talent: Tech companies and other industries are competing for the same technical talent.

Opportunities

Attract New Talent: Automation can make manufacturing more attractive to younger workers interested in technology.

Upskill Existing Workforce: Invest in training to develop your current workforce.

Create New Career Paths: Automation creates new opportunities for career advancement.

What This Means for Workers

Opportunities

New Career Paths: Automation creates new roles and career opportunities.

Higher-Value Work: Workers can move from repetitive tasks to more engaging, problem-solving work.

Better Compensation: Technical skills command higher wages.

Future-Proofing: Skills in automation and data are valuable across industries.

Challenges

Need for Continuous Learning: Workers must continuously update skills as technology evolves.

Job Displacement Risk: Some traditional roles may be reduced or eliminated.

Skill Gaps: Workers may need to develop new skills to remain relevant.

Strategies for Adapting

For Employers

1. Invest in Training

Provide training for existing workers:

• Automation system training
• Data analysis training
• Programming basics
• Continuous learning programs

2. Recruit for Potential

Look for workers with:

• Technical aptitude
• Willingness to learn
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability

3. Partner with Educational Institutions

Work with schools to:

• Develop relevant curriculum
• Provide internships
• Create apprenticeship programs
• Offer input on training needs

4. Create Career Paths

Show workers how they can:

• Advance as technology evolves
• Develop new skills
• Move into higher-value roles

For Workers

1. Embrace Learning

• Take advantage of training opportunities
• Pursue certifications
• Learn new technologies
• Stay current with industry trends

2. Develop Technical Skills

• Learn programming basics
• Understand data analysis
• Familiarize yourself with automation systems
• Develop digital literacy

3. Focus on Transferable Skills

• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Adaptability

4. Be Proactive

• Seek out training opportunities
• Volunteer for automation projects
• Network with professionals in the field
• Stay informed about industry changes

The Human Element

Despite automation, humans remain essential in manufacturing:

Oversight and Management: Humans oversee automated systems and make strategic decisions.

Troubleshooting: Humans troubleshoot when systems fail or need adjustment.

Quality Judgment: Humans make quality judgments that require experience and intuition.

Innovation: Humans drive innovation and process improvement.

Customer Interaction: Humans interact with customers and understand their needs.

Complex Problem-Solving: Humans solve complex problems that require creativity and judgment.

The Bottom Line

Automation is transforming manufacturing, creating both challenges and opportunities. For employers, it means finding and developing workers with new skills while adapting existing workforces. For workers, it means continuous learning and skill development.

The future of manufacturing work is not about humans vs. machines—it's about humans working alongside machines, leveraging the strengths of both. Companies that invest in developing their workforce for this future will have a significant competitive advantage.

Workers who embrace learning and develop skills in automation, data, and technology will find abundant opportunities in modern manufacturing.

At The Hammitt Group, we understand how manufacturing is evolving and help companies find talent that can thrive in automated manufacturing environments. We help identify workers with the technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn that modern manufacturing requires.