Automation is the way forward for businesses in a plethora of industries, and manufacturing is no different. With automation impacting processes and workflows, leading to increased efficiency, precision and innovation, the sector continues to benefit from new approaches that embrace it.
An area of the industry that’s also being slowly transformed by automation is recruitment. In the engineering and manufacturing industry, recruitment has notoriously been challenging in the past few years – however, there is scope for today’s increasingly automated approach to have a positive impact on recruitment challenges, too.
Commenting on this key issue, Ian Hart, business development director of adi Projects, a division of leading multi-disciplinary engineering firm adi Group, says: “Increasingly, as factories become more and more automated, the processes we employ and the level of skills that are needed are different.
“The processes required are no longer entirely manual. We’re quickly moving towards factory automation on a larger scale, and as frightening as that may be for some, the new generation is fully equipped to handle this in the digital age.”
Automation is having a profound impact on the manufacturing industry, revolutionising all manners of processes. Robots are widely used for tasks such as welding, painting, assembly, and material handling, while automation technologies, such as computer vision and sensors, are being utilised to automate quality control and inspection.
Moreover, Industry 4.0 initiatives leverage automation, data exchange, and IoT technologies to create smart factories, with connected systems enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making.
And it is automation on such a large, comprehensive level that is concerning to some, leading them to believe that human labour will soon be completely replaced.
“It is vital to remember that human beings are and will continue to remain crucial within manufacturing environments. At this moment in time, it is difficult to see a future for manufacturing and engineering where there won’t be a need for skilled workers,” says Ian.
“There is no doubt that striking a balance between automation and human expertise is essential for a successful and sustainable manufacturing future, which is why when it comes to recruitment, we should look at the benefits of automation with regards to integration with the new generation of workers.”
New generations have grown up in a digital-first era, surrounded by technology from an early age, naturally becoming tech-savvy and adaptable. Crucially, they possess strong data literacy skills, being adept at interpreting and leveraging data created by new technologies to optimise processes and decision-making.
And perhaps most importantly, they are quick learners when it comes to using and understanding the different automation systems and other advanced technologies currently implemented in manufacturing.
“Having grown up in a world where automation is common, the new generation is generally more comfortable working with and alongside automated systems,” adds Ian.
“Coping with the ‘novelty’ of automation simply comes easier to digital natives, who don't view automation as a threat but rather as an indispensable part of any everyday work environment.
“This means that the effort and type of training needed for young and fresh talent will naturally differ from that required for older generations, and this can be a significant advantage.”
Recruitment challenges in the industry do not solely revolve around skill shortages and training gaps, but also lie in finding candidates who are well-versed in current technologies and adaptable to emerging ones.
The new generation values continuous learning and personal development, which is instrumental in industries such as manufacturing and engineering, where automation technologies are evolving rapidly and employees need to regularly upskill to stay current.
Moreover, these sectors are experiencing an aging workforce, making attracting and retaining younger talent crucial for their long-term sustainability – and the younger generations’ affinity with new technologies could well lend a helping hand.
“It is entirely possible to look at this as an emerging solution to the STEM skills gap, offering a new perspective on the issue. These industries are still going to be fully reliant on people, but the skills we look for, and the environments we work in, are doubtlessly changing,” continues Ian.
“The new generation is more likely to see automation as a tool for collaboration rather than a replacement for human skills, fully understanding the value of human-machine collaboration and being open and able to work alongside robots and automated systems.
“Looking at the opportunities automation can offer in this vital area is therefore instrumental for the future of the industry.”
Learn more about adi Projects and its unique turnkey engineering solutions here: https://www.adiltd.co.uk/divisions/adi-projects