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Ironically, the limiting factor of transformation to the new advanced machinery is people."> Back
Transformation of Manufacturing Industries
May 26, 2021

The manufacturing industry is transforming. “Up to an estimated 47 percent of US jobs face potential automation over the next 20 years, driven primarily by rapid advances in AI, cognitive computing, and automation of repetitive, rule-based tasks” [1]. New technologies and practices are available that increase productivity, quality, and overall profitability. Companies worldwide are attempting to begin the transformation to smart factories equipped with A.I. technology and automated machinery. Ironically, the limiting factor of transformation to the new advanced machinery is people. The current workforce is incapable of supporting a transformation with advanced technology. They are not equipped with the skills necessary for a smooth transformation and to functionally support day-to-day activities.  

This limitation is causing problems worldwide at companies wanting to transform. Because of the global skills gap and a limited number of STEM majors graduating with knowledge of advanced technology, there are not enough workers currently skilled to support transformation at a large scale. To overcome this obstacle, companies and state governments are turning to upskilling as a way to ensure a viable pipeline of talent is available for future transformation goals [2]. Companies and government agencies are recognizing the dire need for upskilling investments. In the manufacturing industry alone, in 2020, companies were set to spend $26.2 billion on training for new and existing employees to combat the skills gap and labor shortage [3].  

Government workforce development agencies are upskilling workforces. In Michigan, the Labor and Economic Development budget is over $1.6B for FY 2020-21 [4]. This budget is impressive and will provide needed upskilling for the labor force supporting manufacturing in that state. In fact, Michigan Works SE, is taking the lead in achieving Michigan’s learning initiative by partnering with Amesite to provide valuable upskilling to over 17,000 people per year.  

70% of manufacturers are investing in workforce training programs to prepare their companies for transformation. They are doing this because, according to the National Association of Manufacturers' Outlook Survey, the skills gap was the number one challenge for manufacturers over the last nine quarters. Another top concern identified was the ability to attract and retain workers [5]. Upskilling increases employee satisfaction, loyalty, performance, productivity, morale, and attracts in-demand workers.

Attracting as well as retaining workers is very important for transformation goals. Nearly 80% of manufacturers report struggling to fill open positions. This resulted in 1/3 of these companies turning down business opportunities [6]. Many have also had to put off their transformation timelines. These lost business opportunities and paused transformation goals result in lost potential revenue.

Employees are critical to the success of manufacturing companies. Establishing a robust upskilling program can develop employees, help curb the skills gap, and solve their labor shortage problems. With a trained workforce, transformation goals do not have to put on the back burner because your employees will be ready, and new employees will want to work for a company that invests in their workforce and values employees.

How Can Your Company Launch an Upskilling Program Easily and Quickly? 

In the manufacturing field, having a skilled workforce is required to stay competitive and profitable. Technology is constantly changing. Having an upskilling platform that is capable of maintaining updated courses to ensure employees are upskilled is very important to the bottom line. An easy way to ensure your employees have access to a robust online learning platform that is constantly updating with the newest information and skills is to partner with an online learning platform and course creation provider. 

An online learning platform that will prepare your current workforce for the future should have these key components to upskill effectively:   

  • Readily available, custom branded platform with custom content and training courses that are relevant to you're the skills your workforce needs 
  • High-tech AI-powered online learning environment that is easy to use and scalable 
  • Actionable insights and analytics used to track employee progress/performance, enabling a quick implementation of improvements 
  • Engaging delivery methods that keep employees actively learning  

Upskilling is no longer a bonus. It is a necessity if your company wants to stay competitive. With the lack of skilled labor available, the choice is simple. Invest in your current employees and create a strong, loyal, and knowledgeable workforce.  

Amesite Offers a Single, Easy to Use, Scalable Solution   

Launch a workforce training program that helps upskill your workforce and allows your company to stay competitive, fill open positions, and increase revenue.  

Amesite is a high-tech AI-powered online learning platform. We specialized in scalable, custom branded online learning environments and content curation to meet employer's unique workforce training needs. Amesite's online learning platform is the key to upskilling your workforces and preparing your company for the future of work.  

Amesite's online learning environment is custom branded to each specific company to build brand loyalty and meet the unique needs of the employer and their employees. We have subject matter experts who design innovative and custom content for courses that provide excellent value to your employees. Your custom branded learning platform can launch in as little as 24 hours, and a host of turnkey, self-paced, highly engaging, and intuitive courses can be ready for your company in as little as 30 days. Establishing a workforce training program has never been easier!   

With Amesite, you can:   

  • Deploy a fully managed enterprise learning platform plus customized courses that enable you to deliver job-specific certifications quickly and efficiently for your staff. 
  • Attract and keep employees engaged with social media-inspired interface design and the most up-to-date content. 
  • Build employee networks that improve your organization's success. 
  • Use A.I. and machine learning to identify trends and make informed decisions while upskilling your teams with comprehensive data analytics and customizable dashboards. 

Amesite creates outstanding learning experiences delivered on its advanced platform, providing an excellent user experience for employees. A.I. and advanced analytics provides fresh content and creates an important context for learning. Partnering with Amesite to provide your workforce training program is a smart decision for your company.  Amesite's unprecedented retention rate in the enterprise sector is 100%.   

Let Amesite help upskill your workforce today! Request a Demo!   

Check out some of our customer success stories: The Henry Ford,Wayne State University.   

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Resources: 

 [1] Deloitte. Jan. 28, 2020. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/technology-and-the-future-of-work/closing-the-employability-skills-gap.html Accessed October 11, 2021. 

[2-3] CNBC. Jan. 17, 2020. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/17/manufacturers-to-spend-26point2-billion-on-upskilling-workers-in-2020.html Accessed May 21, 2021. 

[4] House Fiscal Agency. December 2020. Budget Briefing: Labor and Economic Opportunity.  https://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/Briefings/GG_LEO_BudgetBriefing_fy20-21.pdf Accessed August 26, 2021. 

[5-6] CNBC. Jan. 17, 2020. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/17/manufacturers-to-spend-26point2-billion-on-upskilling-workers-in-2020.html Accessed May 21, 2021.