Technology and industry has always been interrelated. And so has, the fear of losing one’s job due to disruptive technologies. However, one might suggest that this fear has never been so prevalent as today’s manufacturing environment.
Author Muge Hizal Dogaroglu | Copperberg
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“Will a robot take my job?” is a common topic in technology blogs, news sites and everywhere else. In fact, there is a dedicated website, called “Will robots take my job?”, to put the worried minds at ease or let them know their gloomy fate.
While it is true that some jobs are in danger due to the rise of automation in manufacturing, according to The Manufacturer’s article, new technologies such as AI, AR and robotics will contribute to the invention of new jobs. The jobs of the future, predicted by a research by BAE Systems include: systems farmer, AI translator, VR architect and AI ethicist. The research also suggests that robotics, graphic design and philosophy will be useful subjects to study for gaining relevant skills in these fields.
The question to ask is, perhaps not if a robot will take my job but whether our education system is able to provide the necessary skills for preparing future employees for these jobs.
The lack of skilled labor is a common topic in our interactions with business leaders from European manufacturing companies. However, as Thomas Igou, Head of Content at Copperberg, says there are ways of coping with the lack of competence in the labor force; creating comprehensive corporate social responsibility programs as well as improving the diversity of leadership roles are a few to begin with. Lastly, Igou underlines the importance of enhancing the brand image, as most manufacturing companies struggle with attracting talent due to the stereotypes regarding manufacturing industry.
