For many light industrial workers, the buzz about automation can feel overwhelming. Robots and AI tools are taking on more responsibilities, raising questions about job security. But this isn’t just a challenge to keep up—it’s a chance to evolve. The future of manufacturing, where automation improves the supply chain, cannot succeed without the right people with the right skills.
This is where upskilling for automation-driven workflows comes in. By being an active and adaptive learner, you can prepare for the rise of automation in light industrial manufacturing and be among those who will shape the industry’s future.
How Automation is Changing Light Industrial Work
The global market for industrial automation is booming, with experts expecting it to reach over $395 billion by 2029.1 For light industrial companies, this means more machines will start doing the work traditionally done by employees, such as sorting merchandise or packaging products.
For instance, automatic robot arms improve a factory assembly line by doing repetitive tasks without rest, making supply chains move faster. Manufacturers also integrate artificial intelligence and special software into their machines, allowing them to process data and communications without human activity. Tech like these can handle transactions, interact with customers, control product quality, manage inventory, and many other tasks efficiently and accurately.
As automation takes over tedious jobs in light industrial industries, it doesn’t mean that manufacturing companies will need fewer employees in the future. Experts predict that manufacturers will need to create 3.8 million jobs between 2024 and 2033.2 Automation in manufacturing needs a wide range of new jobs, such as robotics technicians, collaborative robot (Cobot) engineers, and smart factory managers—and the industry needs people skilled in new technologies to fill these roles.
Read more: Which Job in the Manufacturing Industry Pays the Most?
How to Upskill for Automation-Driven Workflows
The light industrial world is rapidly evolving, requiring more employees and experts with the right skills. So, staying alert for upskilling opportunities and actively pursuing them is crucial. Here are seven tips for boosting your skills in automation manufacturing:
1. Be Proactive at Work
Being proactive means taking the initiative to join automation-related activities in your company. This gives you clear opportunities to learn and makes you a valuable asset who can adapt well to changes.
Watch out for new automation projects, like integrating a new robotics system into the production line—and volunteer for them. Whenever your company introduces a new tool or workflow, offer to contribute where you can, even if you’re still learning the ropes. This allows you to gain hands-on experience while demonstrating flexibility.
You can also study by yourself. Once your company adopts new automation technologies, take the initiative to understand them even outside of working hours. Get a copy of the machine’s user manual or look for internet resources about the new machine so you can better understand it.
2. Improve Soft Skills
Soft skills, like communication and problem-solving, are just as important in automation as technical expertise. The ability to collaborate with others and think creatively can open doors that hard skills alone cannot.
For instance, strong communication skills allow you to engage with others who know more about automation than you do. Meanwhile, problem-solving skills give you a deeper understanding of automation machines. Eventually, you will be more efficient in using them and pick up powerful troubleshooting skills.
To boost your soft skills, look for opportunities to practice them in real situations. Improve communication by participating in team-building activities or volunteering for special projects. If you want to enhance problem-solving, reflect on your work and ask for feedback from your colleagues.
3. Collaborate with Other Departments
Working with departments different from yours exposes you to various parts of automation you may not encounter within your immediate role. You can learn automation from the perspective of other fields, such as IT, engineering, and production management. For example, a production staff might focus on how automation helps speed up production, while IT personnel focus on securing software and cybersecurity.
Start by volunteering for cross-departmental projects, like helping integrate new technologies at your workplace. As you go through these activities, you can also build relationships with colleagues in IT or engineering. Ask about their part in your automation systems. You can also offer to help in areas like troubleshooting or data analysis.
4. Get a Mentor
A good mentor is often an experienced technician, engineer, or team leader in light industrial settings. You want to find someone who has firsthand experience working with automation systems. While you can get technical knowledge from a book, a mentor can share valuable real-world experience.
To start the conversation with a potential mentor, ask general questions about the automation machines you use in your company. Ask what kind of equipment you use and what it is for. Then, you can inquire about specific steps to take to be more skilled. You can also ask them how they reached their professional level.
Once you have the opportunity to run automated equipment, request feedback for improvement. Identify issues while on the job so you can ask specific questions based on your hands-on experience.
5. Stay Informed on Industry Trends
The internet is rich in good sources that will help you become more aware of new manufacturing technologies, methods, and regulations. Try checking industry-specific websites like Manufacturing.net or IndustryWeek, which offer articles on the latest industry trends.
Online communities, like LinkedIn groups or Reddit’s industrial automation subreddits, provide real-time discussions among professionals in the field. Podcasts like The Manufacturing Podcast and the ones supplied by Automation World are also excellent sources from which you can learn during your leisure time. These platforms host industry experts who share insightful updates and insights about the manufacturing industry.
6. Participate in Certifications and Training
Certifications and training programs offer a more structured and hands-on way of learning automation for manufacturing. They improve your skills and make your resume more marketable for future job opportunities.
Start by browsing popular programs and determining which ones are relevant to your job. For example, the International Society of Automation (ISA) offers the well-recognized Certified Automation Professional (CAP). It covers process control, electrical, and mechanical systems. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) also offers excellent options, such as the Certified Robot Integrator (CRI), Certified Vision Professional (CVP), and Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP).
Since manufacturers are now investing in automation, they will likely offer in-house training programs—don’t miss out on these opportunities. Companies usually use special formats like workshops, webinars, or on-the-job training to train their workforce, depending on what employees need.
7. Attend Industry Events
Manufacturing and automation-based events are fantastic opportunities to network, stay updated on industry changes, and learn from the best. These annual programs typically offer workshops, panel discussions, and seminars where experts share knowledge and experiences. Plus, they often reward best practices in the field, helping attendees learn what strategies are successful and which ones need improvement.
One example is the Automate Conference held annually by A3, which offers many learning sessions on automation for both beginners and advanced professionals. You can also try the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), a Chicago-based event that showcases the latest innovations in manufacturing technology held every two years.
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References:
1. Fortune Business Insights. “Industrial Automation Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Hardware, Software), By Industry (Discrete Automation, Process Automation), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029.” www.fortunebusinessinsights.com, Dec. 30. 2024, www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/industrial-automation-market-101589.
2 .Coykendall, John, et al. “Taking Charge: Manufacturers Support Growth with Active Workforce Strategies.” Deloitte, 2 Apr. 2024, www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/manufacturing/supporting-us-manufacturing-growth-amid-workforce-challenges.html#endnote-20.
