In the world of manufacturing, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and large language models (LLMs) are generating hype and can often create a flurry of activity as organizations scramble to implement them.
However. Implementing emerging tech is much easier said than done. It is not uncommon for businesses—seeking to unlock optimizations ahead of their competitors—to want to start using these tools as quickly as possible. In the wake of that speed, the impact (and benefit) of employee adoption becomes an afterthought. Training, re-skilling, and onboarding become reactive efforts in response to rollout timelines and performance issues, rather than proactive investments.
The question this blog poses is: why wait?
Why wait to train your workforce? If you know digital transformation is coming—whether through AI, robotics, or other exciting emerging technologies—why not start to prepare your teams today?
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Skills Shouldn't Be Solely Solution-Dependent
Manufacturing leaders may think about up-skilling in terms of specific technologies. For example, they could say: “We’ll train our team once we decide which AI platform to use,” or “Let’s wait until we purchase new robotics systems.”
While that type of response is understandable, a ‘solution-dependent’ mindset delays progress and exacerbates existing skill gaps. According to our 2024 State of Manufacturing Survey, 43% of respondents cited difficulty finding qualified candidates as a persistent problem. Additionally, nearly one-third (30%) reported that a lack of skilled talent was holding companies back from adopting AI-based tools altogether.
Waiting for a solution to be implemented before initiating training puts teams in a perpetual state of catch-up. Instead, organizations should look for opportunities to develop broader, foundational skills that can support multiple technologies and evolving business needs.
Top Areas for Proactive Skill Development
There are a number of core disciplines in manufacturing where proactive, solution-agnostic training can have a powerful and lasting impact.
Data Analytics
Whether or not AI is in the picture, data is at the heart of manufacturing innovation. In fact, 44% of manufacturers surveyed cited enhanced data analytics as a primary driver for adopting new technology. Employees who understand how to collect, interpret, and act on digital production data will be more effective in roles ranging from quality assurance to inventory management.
Robotics and Automation Technology
The future of manufacturing is increasingly automated. Industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots) are already transforming operations across industries, such as welding components in automotive facilities, assembling circuit boards in electronics, and handling packaging in food and beverage plants.
Training employees on how to operate and collaborate with these tools improves efficiency today and builds fluency in the human-machine interactions of tomorrow.Communication
Though it’s often labeled a “soft skill,” effective communication is crucial in today’s dynamic production environments. With manufacturing leaders balancing hybrid work, cross-functional teams, and digital transformation, employees must know how and when to share critical information.
Digital communication tools such as project management platforms, instant messaging, and real-time dashboards require just as much training as physical equipment. Teams that can communicate effectively are better equipped to solve problems, adapt to change, and drive outcomes.
Each of these areas represents an opportunity for practical, cross-functional up-skilling. They build confidence, create adaptability, and reduce the pressure of reactive training when new solutions are introduced to operations.
The Benefits of Employee Empowerment
The most immediate benefits of proactive up-skilling are easy to spot: technical readiness, operational efficiency, and improved alignment with business goals. But there’s more under the surface.
When employees are empowered through training, teams can see improved morale and increased engagement. Workers feel valued and more connected to the organization’s mission. In turn, retention improves—a critical win in an industry where hiring remains a challenge.
In the long term, a skilled workforce is also a more flexible one. As your organization adopts new technologies, well-trained employees can work with confidence, not confusion.
Ultimately, up-skilling contributes to business resilience. The more equipped your workforce is to handle change, the better your company will weather future shifts in technology, demand, and market conditions.
Putting the “Continuous” in “Continuous Improvement”
Continuous improvement is more than a buzzword in manufacturing; it’s a mindset. But ironically, many organizations take a stop-and-start approach to employee training—big investments when a new tool is implemented, followed by long stretches of business-as-usual.
True continuous improvement means assessing your workforce’s skills regularly and investing in their growth, even when there isn’t a looming project or tech launch ahead. The message is simple: you don’t have to wait for transformation to begin preparing for it. Empower your employees now, and they’ll be ready when change arrives.
Conclusion
Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, and waiting until new technology is fully deployed to start training your workforce is no longer a viable strategy.
By taking a proactive, solution-agnostic approach to up-skilling, manufacturers can empower employees, close the skills gap, and strengthen their competitive edge. Now is the time to invest in your team—because the future doesn’t wait.
FAQ
How can manufacturing leaders begin to up-skill their employees?
How does up-skilling improve employee retention?
What role does up-skilling play in adopting AI and automation?
Is there a best time to start up-skilling employees?
Yes, as soon as possible. Waiting until new technology is implemented can create stress, delays, and inefficiencies across your organization. A proactive approach allows for gradual, thoughtful skill development that aligns with long-term business goals.