Manufacturing provides significant opportunities for growth and development for persons of nearly every background. Modern manufacturing also comes with great prospects for development, especially with the rise and proliferation of technology. These changes in industry are undoubtedly changing how companies hire and the skill sets they prioritise in the process. How then does this impact the demand for skills development programmes, and which skills should be prioritised for development to promote well-rounded manufacturing employees?
- Critical Thinking
Today, employees in manufacturing need to be able to think on their feet, troubleshoot and solve problems as they arrive. Employees need to have a strong sense of logic and reasoning and should be able to weigh up the outcomes, strengths, and weaknesses of multiple scenarios in order to identify the best possible solution to a challenge. Manufacturers need employees who are able to respond, rectify without escalations and utilise logic and reasoning to resolve problems with minimal error.
- Attention to Detail
There are few jobs where attention to detail is not important, however with speed and precision being a critical priority for manufacturing, it is vital that workers are focussed, and detail orientated. It is important that these skills be developed, deepened, and supported throughout the career of a manufacturing employee and are prioritised for new hires into the industry.
- Communication
The size of manufacturing operations means that it is essential for employees to be able to deliver and follow instructions, as well as effectively motivate teams. Manufacturing is a cooperative vocation, and employees should be able to effectively communicate and relay information in a transparent, respectful, and prompt manner. A good communicator is able to develop and harness the potential of an entire unit. Employers want workers who can work with their co-workers, collaborate, communicate and troubleshoot issues to assist in the achievement of the strategic goals of the company.
- Flexibility and Cross Training
Flexibility is a crucial requirement of manufacturing employees because modern manufacturing tasks are increasingly becoming more creative than routine. Employees should be able to embrace new work environments, new tasks and can and should be expected to undertake new activities regularly. Being able to fulfil multiple roles enables employees to become internal trainers, team leaders and supervisors as they have a necessary foundational knowledge of multiple areas of the business.
- Aptitude for Technology
Technology continues to evolve at an exponential pace. Employees who have a strong desire to learn and work with new technologies makes them a long-term valuable partner for a company. Developing, familiarising employees with technology, and supporting computer literacy provides a good foundation for growth for any manufacturing organisation.
Contact us to find out of the Team Leader Development Programme, and Emerging Leadership Development Programme can support your business develop the right skills for your workforce.