Even amidst unprecedented supply chain disruption, the labor shortage and resulting skills gap remain some of the biggest issues facing the manufacturing industry.
“Right now, we’re seeing a major struggle to fill jobs of every skill level, ranging from CNC machine operators, to programmers, and manufacturing engineers as well,” says Keith Penkunas, District Sales Manager at Master Fluid Solutions. In fact, experts predict an estimated 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 if the skills gap is not adequately addressed.
Fortunately, manufacturers and workers alike can easily close the manufacturing skills gap if they set their sights on acquiring the skills most in demand right now. First thing’s first: Identify what’s missing.
The 4 Manufacturing Skills That Matter Most in Today’s Market
It’s not news that the manufacturing industry is facing a “skills gap,” but it’s difficult to address the problem if you don’t know what those missing skills are. Here are the four most important manufacturing skills the industry needs to instill in the workforce:
1. Basic CNC Operation
One surprising phenomenon many managers have observed is new hires fresh from trade or vocational school aren’t able to operate CNC machines without additional training.
“There seems to be a major gap between what students are being trained on at the trade school level, and the technology that’s actually in machine shops right now,” observes Penkunas. And it’s not just advanced 5-axis machines that new hires are struggling with — it’s more basic 3-axis machines as well.
To address this gap, machine shops could build relationships with local trade and vocational schools and provide more insight into the machines they need new workers to train on. Some of the companies that have been the most successful at overcoming the labor shortage and skills gap are those that co-develop educational programming with local schools and offer internship programs that create a labor pipeline from school to shop.
2. Digital Tool and Software Proficiency
The digital transformation of manufacturing has radically transformed how machine shops operate, replacing paper workflows and manual processes with advanced digital tools and software. As a result, proficiency in these systems is becoming increasingly important for modern manufacturing workers.
Management must bridge the manufacturing skills gap in both older and younger workers by providing hands-on training and educational materials that detail how to use the specific tools available, even if just by sharing instructional content directly from the software manufacturers. Frontline workers can also take initiative by familiarizing themselves with these tools on the job or accessing the wealth of readily available training videos and tutorials online.
3. Machine and Device Programming
As machining operations become more automated, advanced CNC machines are often performing cutting operations without manual intervention. As a result, the role of machine operator is shifting from actual metal cutting and into machine programming and management, elevating the importance of advanced technical skills.
Where possible, management should actively promote development of programming manufacturing skills by offering apprenticeships or providing reimbursement programs for workers who pursue classes or degrees in programming and computer science. This investment in upskilling could ensure the workforce is equipped to handle the complexities of modern automated manufacturing.
4. Robotics Repair
In addition to an emphasis on programming, machine operators are increasingly in demand to repair new machines and robotics. Even the most advanced automated machines and robots can’t function without competent technicians maintaining equipment. Management must take an active role in reskilling existing machine operators into technician and maintenance roles, and provide the necessary training and career incentives to effectively reallocate their labor resources.
Set Your Employees Up for Success With Master Fluid Solutions
As the workforce changes, we’re seeing a major outflow of talent take institutional and operational knowledge with them. However, new technology is also rapidly changing the dynamic of machine shops, and the manufacturing skills required to succeed in the industry. This is the perfect time to invest in upskilling new and existing workers — and make operational changes that free up time and resources for their training.
Master Fluid Solutions offers both advanced cutting fluids, as well as fluid management equipment to streamline fluid maintenance activities. Implementing these solutions in your operation allows employees to spend more time on production or learning new skills, while improving cost savings for management to invest in advanced training.
Want to see what our team can do for your operation? Schedule a site visit to learn more.
