Future-Proofing the Manufacturing Workforce: The Role of Industry in Education

The role that automation plays in the future of our country has never been more relevant.

As companies bring production back to the U.S., reshoring manufacturing is becoming increasingly important. This shift helps strengthen economic resilience and operational stability. But the success of this movement hinges on one critical factor—a highly skilled workforce ready to support the future of advanced manufacturing.

A recent Deloitte and Manufacturing Institute study highlights the scale of the manufacturing workforce challenge. According to the study, manufacturers may need to fill nearly 4 million jobs over the next decade. Many of those positions could remain unfilled.

Preparing the next generation for automated manufacturing is essential. Without education and training, long-term innovation and competitiveness could suffer.

In theory, this task may not seem challenging. Simply introduce students to robotics at younger ages, right? That’s certainly one component. But in my 30 years focusing on automation education at robotics manufacturer FANUC America, I’ve learned that progress requires much more than that. Preparing the future manufacturing workforce requires closer collaboration between industry and education.

Here are four areas that the manufacturing industry should evaluate and actively support today.

Changing Perceptions of Manufacturing

Ask many high school students about manufacturing, and they may picture factories from history books rather than today's technology-driven facilities.

While automotive assembly line automation is at the heart of much of the work done at our headquarters, located on the outskirts of the Motor City, it barely scratches the surface of the breadth of current innovation and opportunity that exists across every industry and application.

Industries ranging from e-commerce and pharmaceuticals to food and beverage share common goals: higher productivity, consistent throughput, and quality output. Robot manufacturers, cobot suppliers, and system integrators continue to introduce new technologies. These innovations are helping change outdated perceptions of manufacturing.

Recently, we asked students about their perception of careers in automation. While our sample group came from the floor of a manufacturing tradeshow, likely indicating an existing interest in robotics, we were surprised by the overwhelming positive response. Students described the field as innovative and exciting—words that reflect the rapidly evolving, high-tech nature of the industry.

Their enthusiasm is exciting. Now we just need to spread the word.

Events like National Manufacturing Day and other STEM-driven initiatives provide an invaluable opportunity to further shape students’ perceptions by offering up-close experiences with real-world automation technologies. By welcoming students into industry facilities, including our headquarters in Rochester Hills, MI, we offer an immersive learning environment that highlights the vast career potential in robotics and automation.

Why Hands-On Robotics Education Matters

Immersion in automation tradeshows and manufacturing facility tours is one way to pique interest in advanced manufacturing, but our research shows that the game-changing factor in pursuing a career in it is the age at which a student can work with a robot themselves.

According to a recent FANUC America study, 40 percent of students interested in automation discovered their passion for the field while still in high school.

The days of “shop” class may be antiquated, but there’s plenty of evidence that bringing a hands-on manufacturing course back into the curriculum can help spur interest in automation at a time when a student’s post-graduation path can be planned accordingly.

And that’s one of the really amazing things about a career in advanced manufacturing: Whether a student is seeking a four-year degree, a two-year degree or even a one-year certification, automation offers flexible solutions that lead to well-paying and in-demand roles.

To give students hands-on experience with automation, we have spent years expanding our education program. The program has placed more than 7,500 robots and CNC systems in over 1,700 high schools, colleges, and universities. Students can participate in certified education programs and industry-relevant training.

By working directly with the same robotic systems used in professional settings, students gain invaluable experience and earn industry-recognized certifications that open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Why Manufacturing Education Matters

• Manufacturing faces a growing workforce gap.
• Automation requires new technical skills.
• Students need earlier exposure to robotics and automation.
• Industry partnerships help schools provide relevant training.
• Scholarships can reduce barriers to entry.

Supporting Students Through Scholarships

Another area in which we as an industry can do more is in the financial support of students pursuing an advanced manufacturing career path.

For many aspiring automation professionals, financial challenges pose a significant obstacle. FANUC’s study revealed that 58% of students rely on scholarships to fund their education, with 12% indicating that their ability to continue learning hinges on financial aid. Additionally, 38% of students work while attending school, while 22% depend on family support.

Providing scholarships that directly address these needs and offer flexibility in education offerings are a critical step in promoting these opportunities to students that show potential in the field.

Automation companies can support education in many ways. They can offer scholarships, partner with industry organizations, or invest in employee training and development.

Oftentimes, in this industry, we see individuals begin work in an entry-level shop role before taking on the increased responsibilities of operating a robot, then programming it, and eventually, being promoted to an automation management position. With the right financial assistance programming in place, we’re able to nurture lifelong learning within the industry and keep great talent.

Building the Future Through Industry Collaboration

Education alone cannot solve the talent shortage—industry needs to play an active role in preparing the next generation of automation professionals. To keep driving forward, we need to make industry-education partnerships an ongoing and strategic component of our efforts.

By bringing together schools and manufacturers, communities can create programs that better connect with local students and workforce needs. The key, of course, is engaging one another in insightful, informative ways that create a win-win-win scenario for all parties, most notably, students and future professionals.

Our certified education program has made this an integral component to our process—facilitating these conversations and as a result, enhancing competency-based training and expanding certification opportunities into the most-needed markets in the U.S.

By joining forces, we’re not just fueling innovation and growth—we’re creating a steady stream of skilled professionals ready to take on the future of Industry 4.0. Investing in education, financial support, and mentorship isn’t just about solving a problem; it’s about shaping a thriving and sustainable future for advanced manufacturing.

This article first appeared in Quality Magazine.