The world has quickly adapted to rising technologies like AI, cloud systems, and automation. With these developments, many businesses can now augment their processes and benefit from automation, boosting efficiency and productivity.
However, this change comes at a cost. Many professionals struggle with learning these new technologies, causing skills gaps in many industries—especially in light industrial and manufacturing, where technology was not traditionally a requirement. This is why companies must provide their employees with adequate knowledge, resources, and training in automation.
Why Is Upskilling Important?
Unlike traditional jobs in previous decades, automation and AI have transformed many aspects of day-to-day operations. While these presented countless possibilities for businesses, workers in light industrial and manufacturing fields tend to lag behind. Due to the increased skill requirements, many companies face difficulties in finding skilled workers who have the technical expertise in labor jobs but also have enough understanding of how AI and automation work.
According to the World Economic Forum, this drastic change would require at least 59 percent of the workforce to undergo automation training.¹ Digital transformation and automation have significantly widened the skills gap.
Robotics and smart machines also threaten the industry. According to MIT Sloan, with a single robot added to every 1,000 workers, the wage is reduced by 0.42 percent.² In translation, this has resulted in the loss of about 400,000 jobs in the industry to date.
This means many workers must learn various process automations and digital control systems to catch up with industrial automation.
In the end, automation and robotics are not intended to replace human labor. While these machines and processes help in productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction, someone still needs to operate, maintain, and monitor them. Hence, human labor will remain more valuable than technological advancements.
The Benefits of Providing Upskilling Programs
Without proper knowledge in automation and modern technologies, your workforce will remain stagnant. We all know technology has advanced rapidly especially in recent years. In just a few years, more developments will be made and will only widen the skills gap among workers. This could lead to job displacement and unemployment as businesses struggle to fill positions with more qualified workers. Competition will also intensify as limited talent becomes scarce.
As an employer, consider strengthening your workforce through upskilling and automation learning. This will ensure you close the skills gap while also allowing your business to remain competitive in the ever-evolving market. At the same time, your employees can become more loyal to your company. Providing the necessary skills they need will lead to career advancement, making your employees feel valued and appreciated.
From Automation to Retention: Building a Skilled Workforce for the Future
Offering automation courses would be the most feasible step in helping your employees grow. But before you provide training courses, you need to organize a structured plan. Here’s how:
1. Involve your workers in the process.
You may already have an idea of which process to automate, or which equipment/machinery can be upgraded. Regardless of whether you’re still studying your business or already know what to do, include your employees in the process. Your employees will have valuable insights, since they personally execute processes and operate various machinery.
- Open communication channels for automation and change management.
- Be proactive and engage with your employees.
- Ask them for any lapses, bottlenecks, or inefficiencies.
Embracing automation is not a one-time project for a single activity. It must be turned into a culture that focuses on continuous improvement and development. Let your employees know about your strategies and assure them that automation is not about replacing them on the production floor.
Lastly, knowing which of your employees willingly contributes can give you an easier time when choosing candidates for automation and upskilling programs. Engaging in this initiative not only shows their understanding of your business but also their willingness to adapt to the growing market. These employees have the best chance of learning new technologies and helping your organization grow.
Read more: Putting People First: Why Prioritizing the Employee Experience is Key to Long-Term Business Success
2. Personalize your training programs.
Not everyone aspires to the same goals. Instead of sending your employees to hours of training programs that don’t fit their needs, consider tailoring their development based on their own skills gaps, career choices, and interests. When you communicate training programs with employees, it allows them to become more engaged and committed to the development.
For example, if your employees want to undergo technician training, putting them in a general automation course would be less effective. Instead, strive to provide what specific training they want to take. Focus on helping them grow as a professional in their respective fields.
Aside from training in automation online or taking a vocational course, you can also leverage training programs offered by robotics companies. This can significantly improve employee knowledge of robotic operation, system calibration, and workplace safety.
Read more: Critical Safety Training Every Temporary Industrial Worker Needs on Day One
3. Take it slow.
Your automation doesn’t have to succeed overnight. Adjustment should take time. This will allow your workforce to adapt to changes and slowly accumulate knowledge in different automation models.
As new technologies emerge, you can add to your business knowledge and introduce new tools in automation control, machine maintenance, production workflow optimization, and industrial robotics. Make sure to opt for technologies that are quick to deploy and easy to integrate.
Start by automating one task and letting your employees learn about the new tools. Let them acquire new skills and partner this with upskilling opportunities. If you implement changes too quickly, your employees might become overwhelmed. Instead of acquiring new skills, they may struggle with too much information. In turn, this might cause you to invest more in upskilling and training.
Read more: The Science of Employee Well-Being: How to Promote Longevity and Satisfaction in the Workplace
Bridging Light Industrial and Technology: Training in Automation for Beginners
Understand that your employees are still adapting to newer technologies. Even today, more technologies are being created. So, make sure to approach this as if they’re beginners. Here’s what you can provide:
1. Employer-Sponsored Certifications
Offering program certifications in automation, robotics, or digital process control can help your employees improve their credentials and knowledge. You can partner with recognized training providers or online platforms to make training more accessible.
2. Partnerships with Educational Institutions
If you want to focus on theoretical basics, you can collaborate with local trade schools or technical colleges to create specialized training programs. This can provide you with structured learning pathways, including apprenticeships or hands-on training.
3. On-the-Job Training
Integrate training into daily workflows by assigning mentors who can conduct in-house workshops. Experiencing new technologies will help your employees build confidence and develop their skills while performing regular responsibilities.
4. Cross-Training and Rotating Duties
Encourage your employees to explore different roles that involve automation and smart manufacturing tools on the production floor. If you’ve already automated some processes, let others experience them. Rotating their responsibilities will allow your workers to adapt to different production and automation programs.
5. Microlearning and Digital Training Modules
Instead of overwhelming employees with extensive courses, break training down into short, digestible modules. Providing access to e-learning platforms, instructional videos, and interactive simulations can make their training more engaging and manageable.
Find industrial experts and digital innovators with Horizon America.
If you’re looking for people who are both experts in industrial and tech fields, we can find them. Horizon America strives to provide only the qualified talent that our partners need. Whether you require permanent, temporary, or temp-to-hire services, we can help you succeed in your workforce needs.
Contact us to partner with a trusted staffing provider today.
References
- “Future of Jobs Report 2025.” World Economic Forum, Jan. 2025, https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf
- Brown, Sara. “A new study measures the actual impact of robots on jobs. It’s significant.” MIT Sloan, 29 Jul. 2020, https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/a-new-study-measures-actual-impact-robots-jobs-its-significant
