Advanced training key to good work by Industry 4.0: German experts

The key to job growth and good work by Industry 4.0, a national strategy referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, lies in the qualification and advanced training of people, said the German Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech) on Friday.

The skills development study on Industry 4.0, conducted by the experts group of Acatech which surveyed 345 German companies online, showed that in particular medium-sized enterprises should further train their workforce in Industry 4.0 and use innovative learning solutions.

The digital divide between large and smaller firms should not be too large, warned the experts.

Most of the companies they surveyed see Industry 4.0 as an opportunity, but they have so far rarely established it in their facilities. Only 9.7 percent surveyed companies have a fully digitized production.

Also a digital divide is growing between high and low-qualified employees, according to the study.

Industry 4.0 does not lead to unmanned factories, but more responsibility for the workforce, who control the complex processes using digital assistants. Therefore, they need tailored training opportunities, said the study, adding that training courses for managers alone are not enough.

While digital learning pathways for managers are a great possibility, workforces could be provided with knowledge using mobile end devices, depending on the actual individual needs.

The interim report will be presented on April 25 at the Hanover Fair to German Federal Research Minister Johanna Wanka. Endit