What’s the biggest challenge facing manufacturers in 2025? A survey of companies would likely yield a variety of answers, from inflation and fickle customer demand to productivity and ever-changing technology. But there’s one ongoing problem that would top the list for many manufacturers: filling open positions with highly skilled workers.
Manufacturers call it the skill gap. It’s the chasm that exists between the growing demand for workers with advanced automation technology skills and the supply of such workers. As advanced technology continues to transform manufacturing facilities across the country, the number of workers qualified to work with and alongside these new technologies just isn’t keeping pace.
What’s a manufacturer to do? Competitive recruiting to entice the few highly skilled workers available will only take a company so far. The most successful manufacturers are learning to upskill their current employees with the skills they need to succeed in the ever-changing workplace.
As the workplace changes, though, manufacturers are learning that their training practices must also evolve. Doing things the same old way isn’t going to yield the desired results any longer. Fortunately, modern technical training is available to help manufacturers prepare their employees for the new challenges technology brings.
In a recent Forbes article, author Jerry Dolinsky offers a variety of suggestions regarding training for manufacturers: “With Deloitte projecting that almost two million U.S. manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2033, companies need more than traditional training methods to keep up. Data-driven training is proving to be a critical solution, helping manufacturers upskill their workforce efficiently, track progress and reduce operational risk—all while maintaining compliance and profitability.”
Dolinsky’s training roadmap features several key guideposts to keep in mind. Here are a few of his key recommendations:
- “Deploy an on-demand training platform that provides structured, standardized work instructions. Create digital learning pathways that break down operational processes into easy-to-follow lessons for employees at all levels.”
- “Use analytics tools to track employee training progress and flag areas requiring additional instruction. Automate skills assessments and quizzes to verify competency.”
- “Use scalable training systems to ensure consistent knowledge transfer across multiple locations and product lines.”
- “Implement an automated training system that assigns courses, tracks progress and provides retraining reminders.”
- “Foster a culture of continuous learning to empower employees and improve retention.”
Dolinsky summarizes his approach as follows: “The future of manufacturing depends on a skilled, adaptable workforce. Long-term investment in data-driven training helps reduce turnover, improve efficiency and prepare for future industry challenges.”
If all this seems a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. Manufacturers don’t have to reinvent the wheel to set up an effective, data-driven training program. The experts at Amatrol can put together a custom training program that addresses the specific needs of any organization.
For more than 40 years, Amatrol has been working with industry to design training programs featuring eLearning curriculum and hands-on experience with trainers equipped with industrial components workers will encounter on the job.
Amatrol’s training programs include cutting-edge technologies in a wide variety of areas, including electrical, electronics, automation, HVACR, process control, pneumatics, hydraulics, and more. The experts at Amatrol can help you design a training program that upskills your employees while minimizing downtime and production delays.
Here are a just a few benefits of Amatrol technical training for industry:
- eAssessment: Knowing which skills an employee lacks is half the battle when determining exactly what training is necessary. Amatrol’s eAssessment allows companies to identify current employee skills, enabling them to assign self-paced eLearning modules based on specific needs.
- eLearning: Amatrol’s eLearning courses provide focused learning objectives and problem-solving activities that correlate directly with core competencies — all at a fraction of the price of traditional technical training methods. They also don’t require an instructor or costly and time-consuming travel, thereby minimizing downtime. With 24/7 online access, technical training can happen anytime, anywhere with an Internet connection.
- Hands-On Workstations: To solidify the knowledge users acquire via eLearning modules, Amatrol offers hands-on workstations that teach relevant skills using real industrial equipment users will encounter in the workplace. Available in full-size or portable options, our expertly crafted trainers integrate the best practices in education and training to deliver knowledge and skills for real jobs.
Visit Amatrol online to learn more about its many different types of industrial training programs. For more information about how Amatrol can help you inspire and train the next generation of workers, contact an expert at Amatrol today!
About Duane Bolin
Duane Bolin is a former curriculum developer and education specialist. He is currently a Marketing Content Developer for Amatrol, Inc. Learn more about Amatrol and its technical training solutions, including eLearning, here and connect with Duane on Amatrol’s Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube pages.
