Addressing the Digital Skills Gap in the Manufacturing Industry

In the UK, there is a need for skilled workers in the artificial intelligence sector to ensure that the manufacturing industry can continue to work at its utmost productivity, incorporating the latest technology and processes. Addressing the very present digital skills gap will require that the government and all educational facilities work together in order to compose a curriculum focused on automation, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things.

Making digital skills available for everyone in society is a step towards addressing the digital skills gap: a fact that the UK government is investing in. Examples of this include providing bursaries of ￡25,000 to encourage computing graduates into teaching, and ￡27,500 scholarships for those training to be a teacher in 2017/2018 through a partnership with the British Computing Society.

Improving Education in Digital Skills

With an increased worry over the digital skill gap potentially affecting the manufacturing industry, it is vital for schools and universities to provide courses and training to prepare younger generations. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, up to 30% of existing jobs in the UK could see an impact due to automation by the early 2030s. It is thought that jobs will change in nature and not disappear, with industries such as manufacturing, transport, retail, and wholesale having the highest possibility of being affected by automation and artificial intelligence.

A study done by the British Chamber of Commerce demonstrated an approximate 75% of UK businesses reporting digital skills shortage in their employees. Addressing this digital skills gap will require collaboration between both the private and the public sectors for schools, universities, and colleges. Digital skills need to be taught at all educational levels, ensuring the existence of positive perceptions in digital and automation-related careers.

Future Jobs that Could Help the Digital Skills Gap in Manufacturing

Skilled workers will require specific digital skills in the future, and there are a few future jobs which will help with the implementation of digital processes. With the manufacturing industry undergoing constant change, skilled workers are needed to use advanced technology.

Automation will play a key role in the future of the manufacturing industry, and a Digital Factory Automation Engineer will streamline the automation processes for increased quality and productivity. The impact on the workplace will signify the complete upgrading of obsolete manufacturing systems, allowing for more accessible processes.

An advocate for new technologies, such as a Chief Digital Officer, will provide companies with the introduction of new technologies and the implementation of new ideas. As every company has its own requirements, the Chief Digital Officer will have to identify the main areas in need of digital solutions and improvement, including automation and the Internet of Things.

A Digital Manufacturing Engineer will implement this vision, along with design systems that will allow for the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. With increased efficiency, decreased errors, and improved manufacturing operations and systems, the manufacturing industry will function in an optimised manner.

I am the managing director at Dean Group, a company that specialises in high-quality investment casting.