Author: Jeff DeBellis
North Carolina is gearing up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will integrate advanced technologies like robotics, the internet of things, and data analytics into manufacturing operations. This seismic shift, as outlined in "Best Practices for Growing Manufacturing in North Carolina," will profoundly impact workforce development professionals across the state. Here are five key ways their role will evolve:
1. Greater involvement in Work-Based Learning
With employers needing workers skilled in programming, cybersecurity, data analysis and more, expect a huge rise in requests for internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and other work-based learning programs. Workforce partners will be critical for facilitating these opportunities.
2. Closer Relationships with Education & Training Providers
Developing curricula and credentials aligned with Industry 4.0 skill needs will require regular communication and close collaboration between workforce groups, community colleges, universities, and manufacturers themselves.
3. Need to Be Occupation & Career Experts
With significant changes expected, workforce professionals are going to need a strong understanding of the jobs of today and tomorrow. Knowing how occupations are evolving will better assist employers in finding workers with the appropriate foundational skills, knowledge, and abilities to build a high-quality, adaptable workforce. Additionally, this knowledge will help workforce professionals guide workers in threatened by displacement to new, satisfying career paths.
4. Data Skills Required
Understanding labor market dynamics like which skills are in demand, where gaps exist, and how technologies may disrupt specific roles will be crucial. For this, workforce professionals will need a sophisticated knowledge of labor market information (LMI), including how to access and manipulate data for decision-making. Combined with their understanding of occupations and employer needs, workforce professionals can leverage their data knowledge and skills to build targeted, responsive programs.
5. Roll of Workforce Professionals Will Expand
Beyond just training pipelines, workforce professionals may also assist in strategic planning, mentorship, and networking/supply chain initiatives designed to help companies navigate digital transformation. Their insights into evolving skill needs will be invaluable.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a renaissance in how manufacturers operate. Workforce professionals, operating at the critical intersection of employers, educators and job seekers, have a pivotal role to play in managing this transformation. Keeping ahead of the curve will be critical to ensure North Carolina remains competitive.