The age-old adage of “knowledge is power” has evolved into “knowledge is digital.”

 

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, there’s a gap widening between experienced craftsmen, who have honed their skills over decades, and the tech-savvy newcomers who expect instant access to information. This so-called “skills gap” is far from new, but what sets it apart today is the urgency to preserve legacy knowledge and infuse it into next-gen technologies. This latest trend is ensuring that the knowledge of experienced workers is digitized.

 

But more than just preserving knowledge, it’s about fostering a synergy between the old and new. This demands a shift in how we view education, training, and technology. Derek DeGeest, president of LestaUSA and DeGeest, is a frontliner in leveraging technology to bridge this gap. He offered some background into this evolving dynamic for a “LestaUSA” episode.

The goal is to capture the experience and knowledge that exists in the people you have today before it is gone.

Applicants today either assume manufacturing is still an old-school job or that it has transformed into smart factories with jobs made easy from automation. Whichever industry, career path or job they choose, there is a general expectation that technology will augment their tasks and digital information will be available.

Manufacturers need to implement new technology to recruit and retain new talent. Those who sit on the sidelines will fall behind.

Embracing technology gives your employees the tools they need to get their work done efficiently. Embracing technology also helps new talent get up to speed quicker by growing their confidence. In doing so, these new team members will become better accepted by existing team members to create that all-important level of chemistry needed for a manufacturer to thrive.

So, the next time you hear about a skills gap, it may really be a technology gap that needs to be bridged.

The more you embrace it, the quicker your path to success through rising production and employee retention and engagement.

Download the corresponding thought paper on this topic written by Derek DeGeest. Technology to Bridge the Skills Gap