Author: Jeff DeBellis
North Carolina is preparing for the next industrial revolution driven by advanced "Industry 4.0" technologies like robotics, automation, and data analytics. A new report from the NC Department of Commerce and NC State’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), Best Practices for Growing Manufacturing in North Carolina, outlines some major implications this shift will have for the state's manufacturing workforce:
1. New Types of Jobs Are Coming
As manufacturers integrate Industry 4.0 technologies, demand will surge for workers skilled in programming, operating, and maintaining systems like industrial robots, automated equipment, cybersecurity software, and big data analytics tools. Traditional production roles could be displaced by automation.
2. Changes Won't Happen Overnight
Due to the enormous costs of overhauling facilities with new equipment and retraining staff, most experts expect the Fourth Industrial Revolution to unfold gradually across manufacturers and industries. This timeline provides a window for workers to upskill accordingly.
3. "Better" Job Opportunities May Emerge
The report suggests advanced manufacturing could create "better" jobs - roles that are higher-paying, less physically taxing, and more secure as operations become more technologically-driven and globally competitive. However, successfully landing these opportunities will require new and emerging skills.
4. Significant Personal Investment Required
Workers will need to make tough personal and financial decisions to adapt, such as investing in short-term certifications or longer college programs in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, data analytics and more. Choosing the right career path will be crucial.
5. North Carolina Is Prioritizing This Transition
Developing a skilled talent pipeline is a key part of the state's strategy, which emphasizes initiatives like apprenticeships, work-based learning, and education partnerships to ensure residents can access Industry 4.0 training.
While challenging, this industrial transformation represents an opportunity to secure North Carolina's manufacturing future. With strong state efforts to enhance workforce education and training, in collaboration with manufacturers and their employees, North Carolina can secure manufacturing’s workforce future as well.