What do you do if your manufacturing skills are becoming obsolete due to technological advancements?
In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, staying relevant can be challenging as technology continually evolves. If you find your manufacturing skills becoming obsolete, it's crucial to take proactive steps to adapt and remain valuable in the industry. With automation, robotics, and advanced software becoming commonplace, understanding how to work alongside these technologies is essential. This article will guide you through practical ways to ensure your skills stay up-to-date and in demand, helping you navigate the changing landscape of manufacturing operations.
To address the obsolescence of your manufacturing skills, the first and most crucial step is to upskill. This means actively seeking out new learning opportunities to enhance your knowledge base and skill set. Whether it's taking courses on the latest manufacturing software, learning about automation, or understanding new production techniques, upskilling can help you stay ahead of the curve. Many educational institutions and online platforms offer specialized training that can be tailored to your needs, providing a flexible way to gain the competencies required in modern manufacturing environments.
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Learning new skills is one thing; getting recognized as having them and getting the opportunity to use them is another. You need to focus on skills you can immediately use at work. Learning now how to use a software system your company will deploy a year from now is a waste of time. Learning to retrofit a microcontroller to a machine in the shop, on the other hand, is a skill you can use next week. Self-teaching is your most valuable skill. You study documents, experiment, and exchange with other learners on specialized social media. Taking courses is more to get your certified than to acquire the skills.
Embracing change is vital for survival in any industry, especially in manufacturing where technological advancements are rapid. Instead of resisting new methods, see them as opportunities to grow and improve your workflow. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and technologies in your field. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops where you can learn about advancements firsthand. By adopting a mindset that welcomes change, you become more resilient and adaptable, qualities that are highly valued in the manufacturing sector.
Networking is a powerful tool for staying informed about industry changes and opportunities. By connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, you can gain insights into how others are adapting their skills. Join professional associations, attend industry conferences, and participate in online forums dedicated to manufacturing operations. These connections can lead to collaborative learning experiences and may even open doors to new career opportunities as you navigate the impact of technological advancements on your skill set.
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To maintain and upgrade your skills, you need to interact with peers, which may be a challenge is you are part of a team organized around complementary skills. Matrix organizations have emerged to address this issue decades ago and with mixed success. The idea is that you report "dotted line" to a manager in your professional specialty while reporting "solid line" to a project manager who needs your skills along with many others.
While certain skills may become obsolete, your experience in the manufacturing industry is invaluable. Leverage this experience by combining it with new knowledge. For instance, if you're skilled in traditional manufacturing processes, learn how these can integrate with new technologies like 3D printing or Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Your understanding of the foundational aspects of manufacturing, coupled with updated technical know-how, can make you a uniquely qualified professional in a technologically advanced workspace.
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It is important to hire people with 20 years experience, not 20 x 1-year's experience. Look at what they are doing now, and what they were doing 20 years ago. Does their current experience match current thinking and show progression with changes over those 20 years? What were they doing 20 years ago, and what are they doing now? What is their view of the current thinking that will need application into the manufacturing environment you are working in? Don't ask about experience, ask about how change has impacted on their skillset, knowledge acquisition and application of that knowledge.
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Just because you accumulate experience doesn't necessarily mean that you learn from it. If you keep addressing the same issues the same way for 20 years, you are just repeating the same experience. You need to seek out projects and assignments that are outside what you have already done. If you are the only engineer in a small manufacturing company, this will happen by itself. If your large employer has a program to rotate professionals, apply to join it. If your management does not support your professional growth, you may have to seek it elsewhere. Other employers will hire you into a position that leverages your experience, and expanding beyond it is something you will have to manage once you are in.
Mentoring can play a significant role in helping you update your skills. Seek out mentors who have successfully navigated the transition you're facing. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer advice on which skills are most in demand. A mentor can also help you identify gaps in your knowledge and recommend the most effective ways to fill them. Whether through formal mentoring programs or informal relationships, having a mentor can accelerate your learning and adaptation process.
Committing to continuous learning is essential for ensuring that your manufacturing skills remain relevant. The industry is dynamic, with new processes, materials, and technologies emerging regularly. Stay informed by subscribing to industry publications, following thought leaders on social media, and participating in ongoing education programs. By making learning a habitual part of your career, you'll be better equipped to adapt to technological changes and maintain a competitive edge in the manufacturing sector.
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1. Analyze the market, have a wide research about your job role. 2. Connect with other professional who can give more insights about advancement. 3. Completing relevant courses which helps us to shortlist ourselves easily & showing our commitment level. 4. Thinking strategically & taking action will always helps in any situation irrespective of how the industry is changing.
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