Manufacturers need to focus on training processes, says operational excellence expert
A focus on training is currently critical for manufacturers to combat an industry-wide skill shortage
Add bookmark
There is currently a shortage of skilled employees in the manufacturing industry, a recent PEX Network report revealed.
In Overcoming inefficient workflows in manufacturing, where several industry professionals provided insights into the current state of operational excellence (OPEX) in the industry, a shift to training processes was noted.
This is due, according to Hank Ward, OPEX lead at Campbell Soup Company, to "zero-skilled talent" entering the workforce two years on from the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Anything that can accelerate ‘time to capable’ for machine operators would be welcomed with open arms,” remarks Ward. “Current new hires come with zero previous machine operation, troubleshooting or maintenance experience.”
With a 2018 study finding that more than eight million global manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, it is clear that the industry was already facing a talent shortage prior to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The disruption caused by the pandemic, which included swathes of resignations and role changes across many industries, has only compounded the issue. Now manufacturers find themselves in a position where digital transformation and smart manufacturing goals are stalled, due to a lack of the necessary skilled talent to make it happen, according to Gartner.
It is now critical that manufacturers take steps to optimize and scale recruitment and training efforts in order to overcome the talent deficit and realize digital transformation goals.
In the report, Marc Winkelman, global director for IWS manufacturing excellence at Procter & Gamble, noted that making manufacturing operators the equipment owners is one of the best ways to accelerate training. By giving them responsibility for day-to-day decision making, operators are encouraged to master the standards of the equipment.
“During the pandemic, we trained our staff so well that with or without leadership on-site in P&G’s factories, they were able to continue running as before the pandemic restrictions,” Winkelman remarked.
To hear more about the current trends taking shape in manufacturing, read Three major trends in manufacturing
Has your company felt the sting of the manufacturing talent shortage? Let us know in the comments below
