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Bridging the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Gap
Today's mechanical engineers still may have only a passing familiarity with emerging manufacturing technologies, so ASME and Autodesk have launched free courses to help accelerate the spread of this critical knowledge.
Written by Curt Chan
Curt Chan. Photo: Autodesk
The rapid advancement of Industry 4.0, driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence and design for manufacturing (DFM), has created a significant skills gap in the manufacturing sector. Companies struggle to find qualified workers who possess the necessary expertise to keep pace with these changes, threatening both progress and global competitiveness.
These new manufacturing technologies hold enormous promise—but only if there is a sufficient number of trained personnel to productively utilize these complicated tools.
In the examples cited above, traditional technical training is often inadequate to the task. Even degreed mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering technologists may have only a passing familiarity with these emerging manufacturing technologies.
To address this critical issue, ASME and Autodesk recently collaborated on two groundbreaking research reports, “Future of Manufacturing” and “Industry 4.0 and Modernizing Education,” which identified the specific skills and workflows required for future mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and machinist roles. These reports highlighted a critical education gap, revealing that current educational programs at all levels lack the technology-specific training needed for Industry 4.0.
Recognizing the need for accessible and relevant training, ASME and Autodesk have developed a series of free project-based courses. These courses aim to equip engineers and manufacturing technicians with essential skills while providing educators with resources to integrate Industry 4.0 principles into their classrooms. The curriculum focuses on practical application through real-world examples, fostering both technical expertise and collaborative skills.
This ASME and Autodesk curriculum isn’t just about teaching software—it's about empowering educators to develop the leaders of Industry 4.0. These courses equip students not just for the jobs of today but to lead the innovations of tomorrow.
To comprehensively address the skills gap, ASME and Autodesk have released the first four in a series of free courses that offer additional training for engineers and manufacturing technicians, as well as resources for engineering educators. The first four courses are now available on the Autodesk website and cover multiple key aspects of advanced manufacturing:
- Design for Sustainability: Understanding sustainability’s role in modern manufacturing.
- Introduction to Industry 4.0 and Technologies: Exploring Industry 4.0 and its advancements.
- Industry 4.0 and Business: Examining the business and economic drivers behind Industry 4.0.
- Digital Literacy: Connecting digital literacy to digital manufacturing and data skills.
- Digital Manufacturing Skills Using Fusion: Hands-on training covering generative design, CAM 2.5 and three-axis milling, CAM additive manufacturing, and simulation.
- Applying Industry 4.0 Skills to Real-World Case Studies with ASME: Practical application of learned skills.
This new project-based curriculum uses real-world examples to engage and motivate students and professionals as they develop in-demand skills. Additional courses covering the Evolution of Engineering and Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in context are planned for release in early 2025.
ASME and Autodesk are committed to empowering the current and future workforce with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the evolving manufacturing landscape. These free courses represent a significant step toward closing the skills gap and ensuring a well-trained workforce for Industry 4.0 and beyond.
For more information and to access this free curriculum, visit the Autodesk website.
Curt Chan is a mechanical engineer and marketing professional at Autodesk with prior experience teaching design and manufacturing at a vocational college. Autodesk is a leading supporter of the ASME Foundation. The ASME Foundation funds philanthropic programs in engineering education, career resources, and support for sustainable innovation. For more information and to donate, visit asmefoundation.org.
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