Closing the Skills Gap: Unlocking the Power of Connected Worker Technology for Your Workforce – MRO Magazine

Electric vehicles, digital manufacturing, and supply chain challenges have changed the game in manufacturing. Keeping production lines running smoothly is now tougher than ever. This shift has brought a key issue to light: a growing skills gap.

Simply hiring more workers won’t solve the problem anymore. To address the skills gap, companies must rethink how they train, upskill, and retain their employees. That’s where the connected worker approach comes in.

The lack of skilled workers is not just a problem; it’s getting worse. In Canada, manufacturing now represents only 8.8% of the workforce, down from 9.2% in 2019. This creates a need for new ways to onboard and reskill employees. A connected worker approach centers on frontline workers and promotes continuous improvement.

1. Utilize digital tools.
Digital and analytical tools help organizations identify the skills new hires need, track learning retention, and gauge training effectiveness.

2. Anticipate future needs. Understanding your industry’s future is vital. By preparing for tomorrow’s skills requirements, companies can stay resilient against changes and foster innovation.

3. Focus on upskilling.
Investing in upskilling has shown real benefits, especially in the automotive sector. Training your current workforce can significantly close the skills gap and enhance productivity.

Invest in your current workers.
It’s not just about new hires anymore. Employers are beginning to recognize the importance of reskilling their existing workforce through in-house training.

Traditionally, training has relied on shadowing or formal classes. But these methods have their downsides. Shadowing pulls senior operators away from their duties, while formal training often fails to stick. Instead, training should be more organic and effective. A connected worker app can standardize training for new hires, giving them access to role-specific skills whenever they need them.

This method allows employees to learn as opportunities arise, rather than waiting for scheduled training sessions.

Always-on learning.
Many manufacturers are adopting the 70:20:10 learning model:

• 70% of learning comes from hands-on experience.
• 20% happens through social interactions.
• 10% comes from formal training.

That means 90% of learning is experiential and social. If you’re not incorporating these methods, you’re missing out on significant training efficiency and versatility.

With a connected worker app, training can be continuous. Workers can self-service their learning, accessing resources on demand. For instance, a quick scan of a QR code can provide a refresher on a task, making training less formal and more integrated into daily work.

Formal training is just the start.
Using apps and even VR technology can enhance frontline training, helping workers learn while actively engaging in their roles. A connected worker app fosters a bridge between the management team and shop floor, encouraging personalized and continuous learning. This boosts employee satisfaction and supports long-term growth for the company.

Implementing a connected worker approach not only helps retain skills and reduce turnover rates but also ensures compliance and productivity. Giving workers access to digital tools during work enhances their learning experience.

This innovative method of training reduces reliance on traditional events. Employees gain instant access to training materials, staying informed about updates and skills. An automated digital skills matrix simplifies tracking and ensures compliance with regulations, addressing skills gaps swiftly.

The technology that connects workers.
As technology and processes evolve, traditional training can’t keep up. Today’s manufacturing sector needs to adapt. A connected worker strategy benefits onboarding, productivity, and employee retention.

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Andrea Masterton is the VP of Marketing at Poka, where she emphasizes the value of connected workers and the impact of a digital factory in manufacturing.