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ANALYSIS
Technology To Bridge the Skills Gap Derek DeGeest DeGeest Corporation - Tea, South Dakota (SD) – United States
derek@degeestmfg.com
Referred to as the manufacturing skills gap, this issue continues to plague companies unable all over the western world to find workers who have the skills needed to take open positions, particularly in finishing. This issue affects mature markets, in particular, and it is something that USA and Europe have in common. The following editorial shows how technology can be leveraged to bridge the skills gap with both existing and new employees. It was taken from a speech held by Derek DeGeest, President of LestaUSA and DeGeest Corporation, during an educational session at the last FABTECH Chicago, the North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event.
I
t has been over ten years since manufacturers started talking about a
risk of missing the next evolution in manufacturing, and it will be difficult
skills gap. Yet positions remain empty because companies are unable
to play catch-up.
to attract workers.
Applicants today either assume manufacturing is still an old-school job
Instead of waiting for the skills gap to be fixed by our education system
or that it has transformed into smart factories with jobs made easy from
or by stealing workers from each other to fill open positions, you can be
automation. Whichever industry, career path or job they choose, there
part of the solution by changing your mindset. If you do not, you are at
is a general expectation that technology will augment their tasks and
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N. 84 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 - international PAINT&COATING magazine