The forecast calls for digitization that will put people out of work. However, the reality is a blizzard of job openings that may pile up due to an untrained workforce.
Although talk of automation and artificial intelligence often leads to fear of unprecedented unemployment, advances in technology have repeatedly led to more jobs, not fewer. Mike Train, Executive President at Emerson Automation Solutions, suggests, “The transition can be bumpy, but invariably the outcome is more societal wealth and more employment, often in new occupations.”
Training Today’s Employees
According to a report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, modern manufacturing will produce nearly 3.5 million job vacancies in the United States from 2015-2025. Nearly 2 million may go unfilled due to lack of skills.
To address the skills gap, companies have to find skilled workers, and also must develop and engage their existing workforces. Companies like AT&T, Boeing and Google are working to get ahead of the curve, placing more emphasis on education and training programs for their employees.
And employees are ready to learn! A study focused on the evolving expectations and experiences of the digital generations (those in their 20s and 30s) shows that, in the U.S., the main factors for wanting to learn include more career stability, increased job security, improved leadership and management skills. In addition, a new report from AACSB International, an association of business schools, shows that those in the digital generations are increasingly open to online education and digital certifications, as many desire a more-self-directed learning approach. Targeted learning modules are the key to effective training.
Ready to Upskill Your Staff?
Studies have shown that companies that invest in staff training programs improve employee productivity by 30%, while also greatly increasing the company’s ability to engage and retain key talent. Get your workforce started today with IEEE’s Continuing Education courses in emerging technologies and cutting edge topics. Courses are peer-reviewed and taught by the world’s leading experts, so you can be sure employees will get the essential skills needed to stay competitive.
As rapid changes in technology compel engineers to update their technical knowledge, many engineers are also seeking training programs offering continuing education units and professional development hours. Learn more about offering IEEE Certificates at your next training event.
Resources
Train, Mike. (18 Mar 2018). Train: The future of automation begins with a digital workforce. Houston Chronicle.
Smith, Ernie. (6 Mar 2018). Business School Study Highlights Shifting Education Needs of Digital Generations. Associations Now.
Adaptability is a significant talent feature in the present-day economy where digital changes are the order of the day, causing industries to elevate regularly.