The increasing use of machines on production lines, as well as new technologies, including artificial intelligence, have long raised concerns about the prospects for people in the labor market. Indeed, their use has a huge impact on the shape of employers’ offers, but not in the way that skeptics of automation and robotization expected. In practice, there is a very high demand for qualified specialists, and new positions are being created that did not previously exist in manufacturing companies. This creates great opportunities for professional development and expanding one’s skills. We advise on how to start working in the production process automation sector and what it might look like.
What is automation in the manufacturing sector?
When considering changes in the labor market, it is worth starting with what industrial automation actually is, as there are many myths surrounding this topic that do not help potential employees adapt to new conditions. The goal of this process is by no means to completely replace the human factor. On the contrary, the automation of production process can improve staff satisfaction by eliminating the need to work in the most difficult conditions (e.g., high temperatures) or perform the most monotonous and repetitive tasks.
At the same time, opportunities for employee development are created as new jobs are created. Automation systems will always require some degree of human control and operation. Many of them are designed for close, daily cooperation with humans. The most popular solution among employers in this area is to use existing staff rather than recruiting externally. Training a current employee who is already familiar with the realities of a given production line and providing them with the tools to develop and find their feet in a new position is easier, less time-consuming, and cheaper. Machine automation therefore offers employees the opportunity to retrain, acquire new skills, and continue their professional careers.
Required education and skills in the production automation sector
Programs aimed at orienting people entering the labor market toward careers in automation processes are now even being conducted in elementary schools. There are many jobs available, and their number will grow in the coming years along with the demand for specialists. Digital and technical skills, analytical thinking, and machine operation skills will be particularly useful in navigating the new reality. A dynamic work environment, which is subject to frequent changes as a result of technological developments, also requires candidates to be open to new challenges and adaptable. In terms of education, technical fields such as mechanics and machine construction are preferred, as some positions may require the ability to produce technical drawings. However, typical humanities and social skills in the field of industrial automation will also be useful, as foreign language skills, teamwork, and team management are practically essential in today’s reality.
Career in production automation at TASKO Inc.
If you think that automation could be a fascinating and rewarding professional challenge for you, perhaps a career at TASKO Inc. is waiting for you. You can find information about current job offers in the “career” tab on our website. We are looking for people with a variety of skill sets – from assemblers and machine operators, through programmers and designers, to project managers and accounting specialists. Regardless of which position suits your aptitudes and skills, you can be sure that you will have the opportunity to work on advanced, modern projects and, as a result, improve your qualifications, which will certainly be useful in the labor market in the coming years.