In the past, the engineering and manufacturing industries demanded skilled workers. These skilled blue-collar workers needed basic levels of education to meet the job requirements. But if we look into the current market, we can see a rise in demand for a new type, a new collar, of workers
New-Collar Workers? Multi-Skilled and Multi-Disciplined Workers.
As automation takes hold, jobs are being redefined. And, as a wide range of processes are being automated from end-to-end, workers with multiple engineering skills are needed. Workers having mechanical, electrical and computer skills are needed.
For example, let’s consider you are building a robot. To build or work with a robot, knowledge of mechanical engineering to design and assembly is required. In order to power the robot, knowledge of electrical engineering is required. And, knowledge of computer engineering is required to make the robot work.
It becomes essential to learn how the three skill sets interact and affect the overall process. This multidisciplinary approach is the core of mechatronics.
What is Mechatronics?
Mechatronics is a top multidisciplinary domain merging both electrical and mechanical engineering systems. It includes the study of electrical, mechanical, telecommunication, robotics and computer engineering. Additionally, at the core of mechatronics lies a design process that unifies all these fields of study.
Whats Unique About Mechatronics?
Mechatronics combines the art of good design and the science of great engineering. And this steadily growing field is rife with opportunities for innovation and discovery.
According to a recent study, the mechatronics field is anticipated to gain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% by 2023. Research shows that this unwavering growth is owed to the rampant use of mechatronics by Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) industries. This growing use is predicted to guide further growth for mechatronics in the future as well.
Why is Mechatronics in Demand?
This is the era of intuitive design. OEM industries across the world are looking to develop equipment and devices that naturally fit users’ needs. Simplifying experiences and reducing friction. Here is where mechatronics plays a key role. It employs skills that can combine complicated technology and simple yet intuitive designs.
However, there is a talent shortage in the field that demands to be filled. An ECPI university study showed that 6 out of ten open skilled manufacturing positions remain unfilled, even amongst major OEM players.
The State of the Skill Gap:
The skill demand is so high that 80% of major manufacturing companies are willing to pay more than the standard market rates for a talented workforce.
And that’s not all, industries are finding ways to develop the talent that is required. 49% are creating new veteran hiring programs while 64% are looking at external training and certification. But the go-to method seems to be internal training with 96% of the companies opting for this. These loaded methods are being implemented because 84% of the executives believe that the current skill gap is impacting their ability to meet customer demands.
Making the Most of the Current Mechatronics Demand:
Now is the time to delve into these opportunities and capitalize upon it. The domain is in serious need and is willing to put in the money and effort needed to acquire talent.
The growth and opportunities are hugely promising. It has been anticipated that the Asia-Pacific market for Mechatronics is to achieve the highest CAGR, closely followed by Europe and North America. The scope in the field is truly global right now!
While corporates are finding ways to upskill their employees, educational institutes looking to do the same, can make full use of this opportunity by finding new ways of doing so. One way is to explore new platforms such as CredSure to revitalize the courses you offer.
CredSure is a skills-driven platform built on blockchain. It is secure and brings together the aims of educational institutes and employers alike, it:
- connects interested learners to established educational institutions
- enables institutions to stay ahead and meet industry demand
- empowers students to demonstrate and prove their skills with digital certificates
To learn more on how you can succeed in this space, please feel free to write to us here.
