{"id":24048,"date":"2023-10-02T07:00:15","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T12:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intelitek.com\/?p=24048"},"modified":"2024-04-08T16:37:45","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T21:37:45","slug":"what-does-manufacturing-look-like-today-and-how-should-cte-programs-adapt-as-a-result","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intelitek.com\/2023\/10\/02\/what-does-manufacturing-look-like-today-and-how-should-cte-programs-adapt-as-a-result\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Manufacturing Look Like Today? And How Should CTE Programs Adapt as a Result?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jobs in manufacturing look much different than they did a generation ago. Today\u2019s manufacturing facilities are modern workplaces that use advanced technologies to streamline processes, enhance production, and improve the safety of employees.<\/p>\n

In light of this transformation, the skills needed for manufacturing jobs are changing rapidly\u2014and career and technical education (CTE) programs must adapt in turn to prepare students effectively for manufacturing careers.<\/p>\n

Revolutionary technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Manufacturers have made significant progress in automating key processes as the world has become increasingly digital. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated these initiatives.<\/p>\n

According to a 2022 report <\/a>from the Manufacturing Institute (MI) and Rockwell Automation, 77% of manufacturers say they\u2019ve made technological investments to achieve cost efficiencies in the production process, and 73% say they\u2019ve done so to improve operational performance. These shifts have changed the nature of manufacturing work, including the skills that are required of employees.<\/p>\n

This Forbes<\/em> article<\/a> describes some of the recent trends in the sector as manufacturers are leveraging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and real-world modeling to develop globally connected and highly intelligent production systems.<\/p>\n

For instance, sensors<\/a> embedded within factory machines collect data that enable manufacturers to understand how these machines are performing. This helps manufacturers optimize maintenance, reduce downtime, and even predict when things will go wrong, so they can take preventative action and maintain equipment more effectively.<\/p>\n

Automated robots<\/a> are being used to enhance the work of humans, and \u201cdigital twins\u201d are being used to simulate physical processes or objects\u2014so manufacturers can build \u201cwhat-if\u201d scenarios and test key processes before rolling them out for real. A digital twin could be used to simulate a new product on the production line, for example, or to create a virtual replica of the machinery on the factory floor to see how well it operates using different production parameters.<\/p>\n

New skills required<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the robotics used in manufacturing become increasingly advanced, companies will need employees who know how to maintain, operate, and troubleshoot these machines. As more and more data is collected in real-time, manufacturers will need employees who can analyze digital information and use it to streamline production, predict behavior, and solve problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompanies are finding greater need for individuals with data analysis skills,\u201d the MI report says. \u201cCritical thinking, problem solving, and an agile mindset are skill sets that manufacturers will need more and more in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The report quotes a number of manufacturing executives who describe the types of skills their employees will require now and in the future. For instance:<\/p>\n