How Early Exposure Cultivates Tomorrow’s Automation Leaders

Businesses of all sizes can reinforce the benefits of a career in automation among local high schoolers, neighbors and business partners. Image courtesy of FANUC America

WHAT STANDS BETWEEN A STUDENT AND THEIR “AHA!” MOMENT?

By Paul Aiello, Executive Director, Education, FANUC America

Of the 3.8 million manufacturing jobs projected in the next decade, as many as half may remain unfilled, according to the 2024 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute Talent Study.

Those are startling statistics, and as someone whose role within the industry straddles both business and education, this data is the fuel that drives my team’s commitment to generate awareness of the well-paying, skilled roles currently available. Oftentimes, achievable is far less than four years and without a university degree.

To better comprehend what stands between a student and their “Aha!” moment as it pertains to automation, we surveyed attendees visiting our booth at the Smartforce Student Summit during last year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). Our goal was to identify the pivotal moments that spark interest in a career in robotics, as well as the barriers that deter further education.

What we learned needs to be at the forefront of automation industry leader minds today, tomorrow and in the future.

The first major takeaway is the critical importance of early exposure in determining a career path.

Early exposure to automation is critical in determining a career path. Image courtesy of FANUC America

The Influential Role of High School

With over two decades spent in the robotics industry, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of discovering automation early in one’s adulthood. Early interest shapes career trajectories and nurtures long-term engagement, and the high-school environment is ripe for that type of introduction.

In our study, 40 percent of students reported developing an interest in automation careers while in high school.

This information validates many of the industry-focused programs that bring together high schools, colleges and universities to provide hands-on experience with robot operations and programming, particularly those that equip students with practical skills using industry-standard products.

When possible, businesses can gain an edge by allowing graduates to earn industry-recognized occupational certifications, preparing them for real-world applications and creating a win-win scenario for both graduates and robotics and software manufacturers.

Secondly, our study indicates that financial support continues to be an overwhelming obstacle for nearly all students interested in pursuing further education.

The high-school environment is ripe for an introduction to automation. Image courtesy of FANUC America

The Necessary Role of Scholarships and Family Aid

Financial barriers are a significant hurdle for aspiring automation professionals. Our research reveals that 58 percent of students rely on scholarships, with 12 percent dependent on them to continue their education—that’s more than two-thirds of individuals requiring financial support.

Additionally, 38 percent of students work jobs to fund their education, while 22 percent rely on family support.

This data serves as a strong reminder of the dire need for higher-education financial assistance in the automation sector. Supporting the next generation of skilled professionals is something that industry, businesses and educators will need to join forces to do, establishing endowed scholarship funds, private-public partnerships, and educational programming in order to maintain a talent pipeline that meets industry needs.

Initiatives are currently underway to unite educational institutions and regional manufacturing businesses to emphasize industry-relevant training and competency-based skills development. But it will take efforts by both global automation leaders and regional automation partners—integrators, tooling companies and software developers—to effectively generate awareness of the opportunities that exist now, and in the future.

Yet I’m excited because I know that together, synergy of early exposure and financial support will drive change and growth in the sector.

At this point, you might be wondering if any positive news emerged from our poll.

Early interest in automation shapes career trajectories and nurtures long-term engagement. Image courtesy of FANUC America

“Innovative and Exciting” Industry Perception

One of the most encouraging findings is the perception of automation careers as innovative and exciting. Students chose these descriptors, reflecting the field’s dynamic and forward-thinking nature.

This positive outlook is essential for attracting and retaining talent in an industry projected to need 4 million high-skill, high-tech, and well-paying jobs over the next decade.

I believe that we’ve come a long way in shaping that perception over the years. And we don’t only see if in student opinions; 84 percent of respondents reported positive reinforcement from adults, encouraging their pursuit of a career in robotics and automation.

Initiatives like National Manufacturing Day, which introduces high school students to advanced manufacturing technologies, play a crucial role, and ease the challenge of linking students to local manufacturing and automation companies. Through participation in programs like this, or by hosting community tours, businesses of all sizes can reinforce the benefits of a career in automation among local high schoolers, neighbors and business partners.

As we near the end of the traditional school year, I’d encourage you and your business to consider how you can connect with local students to share a behind-the-scenes look at automation, participate in an intern or apprenticeship program, or fund a scholarship for area students.

About the Author

Paul Aiello is the Executive Director of Education at FANUC America Corporation. He oversees Certified Education Training, providing robotic and automation training to educational institutions throughout the Americas, as well as the “Partners with Education” program, fostering collaboration between industry and education to address the skills gap and build a skilled workforce. Aiello and his team have developed more than 1,600 automation and robotics training centers through partnerships with secondary and post-secondary schools and industry training centers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.FANUCAmerica.com/education.