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Fostering Automation, Robotics and IIOT in the Manufacturing Sector: A Skills Perspective
Background
In recent years, with technological advancements, the Manufacturing sector has not lagged behind and has greatly benefitted from industrial automation, making their processes smarter, faster and more efficient. As the industrial automation comprehends the advantages of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), it is becoming essential that organisations adopt these technologies. In this context the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) conducted a study on fostering automation, robotics and IIoT in the Manufacturing sector. This study helped gauge the current and future skills requirements to foster automation of the Manufacturing sector in Mauritius.
Rationale of the study
It is vital to assess the specific skills needs and come up ultimately with training programmes in automation, IIOT, Robotics, specifically for the Manufacturing sub sectors. Surveys, focus group discussions and meetings with industry associations have reiterated this. Hence the need of this very specific and contextual study.
Aim and Objectives
The aim of the study was to assess the automation level in the Manufacturing sector and its sub sectors while evaluating the willingness to adopt automation of processes and come up with specific skills development programmes to facilitate the process. This study also provided an overview of the different skills which would be required for the adoption of the new technologies and indicative means to acquire those skills. Skills development programmes will be developed and mounted for existing employees and new entrants respectively.
The specific objectives of the study was to:
- Take stock of the automation skills level / adoption of automation in the Manufacturing sector; Identify the immediate and future specific skills requirements towards automation;
- Identify the profile of employees required by employers to implement/use automation devices;
- Propose ways and training programmes to achieve the targeted skills requirements; and
- Make recommendations to policy makers to devise strategies to reduce the labour mismatch in the different sectors.
Methodology
Around 200 enterprises were targeted and data was collected via an online structured questionnaire in a first instance. Quantitative findings were supplemented with qualitative ones via focus group discussions and interviews with experts in the sub sectors already implementing or those having concrete plans to implement automation projects. Findings were disseminated and recommendations were worked upon to come up with specific tailor-made solutions, in the form of training programmes or skills development schemes, to the issues identified.
Dissemination
The findings and recommendations were presented to stakeholders with specific skills development needs and other recommendations to inform them of the findings.
The HRDC wishes to thank all respondents who participated in the survey as well as the industry associations involved in this national endeavour.
The full report and the Executive Summary are available on the link below.