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Addressing the challenge of automation workforce development

By Mike Hourigan posted 03-30-2017 15:02

  

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The International Academy of Automation Engineering® (IAAE®) is a not-for-profit automation education, certification and membership based organization. The IAAE® has recently deployed a new automation program through Villanova University, College of Professional Studies in Pennsylvania, U.S. This four-year Bachelor’s degree in Applied Information Technology has a concentration in Automation. In addition, we have established a Life Sciences Advisory Board. This board is the first of several planned industry-sector boards, and currently consists of four of the largest pharmaceutical companies, each of whom have significant global reach.

Why did we do this?

We are aware of how difficult it can be to hire good talent when relying on details in a resume. Additionally, we are acutely aware of the declining numbers joining as well as the increasing numbers retiring from the workforce.

As System Integrators, there is a common challenge and cost of sourcing, developing and grading automation talent. A recent McKinsey report states that employers are willing to pay for training programs - up to 15% (or roughly two months) of the employee's annual salary, on average. This is a significant investment repeated over and over for new hires. New thinking is needed to address this problem and the decline in numbers joining our industry.

If we take a step back and ask why automation certification programs have not gained widespread popularity, we can begin to identify the gaps and better understand the challenge faced by the automation industry.

"Widespread use of certifications may be inhibited due to the cyclical process that has developed. Students are not seeking certifications because manufacturers are not demanding them. Educational institutions are not supporting the development of certification programs because students (their customers) are not asking for them. Manufacturers are not getting candidates with certifications, and so they are not seeing the value. Despite common interests between students/professionals, educational institutions, and manufacturers, these stakeholders are unable to coordinate or align their activities to break this cycle and initiate a sustainable system for development and use of certification programs.”
- National Survey on the Value of Credentialed Workforce, Manufacturing Institute, 2013

An ecosystem approach, as advocated by the IAAE®, can meet the challenge that lies beyond the scope and capabilities of any one actor. In adopting such an approach, the vision of the IAAE® is to achieve certification of automation engineering talent, and to give an identity to our automation community. The IAAE® is actively seeking input and participation from other like-minded CSIA members.

We look forward to presenting to CSIA’s executive leadership team in May 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and further elaborating on how our education programs will be of benefit to all – clients, system integrators and students.

For other attendees please stop by our table as we would welcome your input on this initiative.

Mike Hourigan is founder and president of The International Academy of Automation Engineering® (IAAE®), and can be reached at mhourigan@iaae.com.


Benefits of adopting a certification model:

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