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For Industry 4.0 to succeed, manufacturing education must transform
As we step deeper into the early phases of Industry 4.0, a new industrial era defined by digital transformation is reshaping how we think about productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Technological advancements are opening doors to more efficient processes, smarter systems, and greener solutions. Yet, despite these exciting developments, many of our Design and Manufacturing customers are expressing growing concerns about the skills gap—specifically, the lack of workers who are ready for the latest technologies, software tools, and evolving workflows.
At this critical moment, industry leaders are asking: *Where can we find these skilled workers, and what exactly should they know?* To address these questions, Autodesk partnered with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) on an in-depth research initiative that included academic literature reviews, phone interviews, and surveys across the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
Today, the *Future of Manufacturing* white paper report is released, offering valuable insights from both academia and industry. It outlines the future workflows and essential skills needed for mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC machinists over the next decade.
Ashley Huderson, Ph.D., ASME’s director of engineering education and outreach, explains: “We’re asking ourselves and the industry: What comes next? What will the jobs of the future look like, and what skills will be required? Most importantly, how do we prepare people for roles that don’t even exist yet?â€
[Watch: Transforming Manufacturing Education](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/8bb65c1905e1b566d45ca687bdfff9df.net/embed/iframe/qxhj5x4glb)
**Essential Changes to Three Roles in Industry 4.0**
Over the next decade, the manufacturing landscape will continue to evolve through digital transformation and role convergence. While each of the three roles we studied will change in unique ways, our research found that both academia and industry agree on the rising importance of design for manufacturing (DfM), artificial intelligence, and machine learning (AI/ML).
Notably, 90% of survey respondents believe that strengthening students’ DfM knowledge is the most impactful way for academia to develop the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Here’s what we expect for each role in the next five to ten years:
- **Mechanical Engineers** will take on more responsibility in manufacturing implementation and data analysis to refine designs for manufacturability. They’ll need applied knowledge throughout the entire process, not just at the beginning.
- **Manufacturing Engineers** will become more interdisciplinary, blending skills with both mechanical engineers and CNC machinists. Their focus will shift from individual processes to managing global production systems, including robotics, additive manufacturing, and more.
- **CNC Machinists** will transition from operators to engineering technicians, taking on programming and broader manufacturing functions. This role is expected to see the most significant changes, requiring skills in AI/ML, five-axis machining, and hybrid manufacturing.
**Collaboration Across Roles Is Key**
Our research revealed strong agreement on the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, as well as with machinists and external partners. This is largely driven by the need for a system-level approach to product development.
More than 65% of small-to-medium manufacturers believe that collaboration between the three roles will increase. As new workflows emerge, better communication and team problem-solving will become essential. Cloud-based platforms will play a key role in breaking down geographic barriers and enabling seamless teamwork.
**Transforming Education for the Future of Manufacturing**
While the findings are insightful, they also highlight a growing gap between where the industry is heading and where current educational programs stand. With business pressures pushing manufacturing toward Industry 4.0, it’s time for academia to align more closely with emerging trends.
As someone who once taught mechanical engineering at the University of Warwick, I understand the challenges educators face. Balancing foundational concepts with emerging technologies while meeting accreditation standards is no easy task.
However, our research identified some promising strategies. For example, there's a strong consensus that businesses should support curriculum development, and that hands-on experiences and real-world contexts can significantly reduce the time it takes to train talent.
In addition to teaching new skills, educators should also incorporate industry-recognized certifications for modern software and equipment. Interestingly, 86% of surveyed academics support moving away from traditional degrees in favor of specialized certifications developed in partnership with industry.
Moreover, 84% of all respondents believe that employers and academia should collaborate on new certification programs tailored to industry needs. And 91% want more long-term internship and co-op opportunities.
**Onward to Industry 4.0**
Equipping the workforce with the right skills won’t just benefit the manufacturing sector—it will improve working conditions, enhance consumer experiences, and promote more sustainable practices that protect our planet.
Together, we can help shape the future and prepare the next generation for the exciting roles that await them in Industry 4.0.
[Head here to learn more about the Future of Manufacturing report](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/85cbe9006f454691261d31588f4bbd13.jpg)