We're back for part 2 of our discussion with a panel of thought leaders from iconic manufacturing brands to discuss how Industry 4.0 is transforming their operations, how the workforce is evolving, and how training and certifications can bridge the skills gap.

Catch up on part 1 here: https://techedpodcast.com/manufacturing-leadership-panel/

This week is all about Industry 4.0 Education & Training Efforts with leaders from:

• Sargento Foods
• Ashley Furniture
• SC Johnson
• Rockwell Automation
• Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA)

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Bridging the skills gap requires a collaborative industry-education effort: Developing the next generation of skilled talent for Industry 4.0 is going to take education and employers working on large, collaborative projects together to ensure students have the right skills and exposure to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
2. The incumbent workforce needs to be reskilled: As companies invest in more automation and smart technology, incumbent workers will need to be rapidly reskilled to work with this technology. The formula for success? In-house training + technical college partnerships + SACA certifications.
3. SACA certifications create a common language for Industry 4.0 standards: The efforts of education and employers are wasted if they aren't aligned. SACA standards are that "Rosetta Stone", the common language that can align what education teaches with what industry needs.

Show Notes

The Smart Automation Certification Alliance

SACA is a nonprofit organization that develops and deploys third-party credentials for advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 skills - both knowlege-based and hands-on.

What makes them unique? These credentials are designed, built and validated by industrial employers. Employers from this week's episode all took place in technical work groups that determined SACA standards.

SACA certifications are stackable, transferrable and can be utilized in education and industry. To learn more visit https://www.saca.org.

Manufacturing Panel:

• Anne Troka - Community Engagement Manager, Sargento Foods
• Anthony Ebio - Dierctor of Industry 4.0 Learning, Ashley Furniture
• Ken Evans - Associate Maintenance Manager, SC Johnson
• Michael Cook - Director of Global Academic Partnerships, Rockwell Automation
• Jim Wall - Executive Director of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance

More Resources

Webinar video: https://youtu.be/6QucCDjxhMg

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/manufacturing-leadership-panel-part2/

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