A recent report from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) outlines over 200 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) workers need when entering the advanced manufacturing field. This builds off a Manufacturing USA release from last year: the Advanced Manufacturing Occupation and Competency Framework.
NIST dives into 130 occupations in this report, grouped into 4 categories: Engineering and Scientific, Technician and Associates, Specialist and Analyst, and Machine Operator and Machinist. The occupations represent a wide range of job titles across multiple different advanced manufacturing fields. With new advanced technologies becoming more widely adopted in manufacturing, entry-level industrial workers need more in-depth skills these days to be successful on the job. The report categorizes these KSAs into 13 competencies and 68 sub-competencies for the future manufacturing workforce.
Beyond just developing specific technological skills, NIST promotes the transferable skills new workers will need upon entering modern manufacturing facilities. Some statistics on how transferable the 235 KSA's are across the advanced manufacturing industry include:
- 33% are applicable across several different technology areas
- 50% overlap between at least three Manufacturing USA institutes
- Of the 130 occupations, 29% are useful within eight or more occupations
This skill framework will help those at all levels of employment, from management to trainers to new hires, progress in the advanced manufacturing sector. Beyond just the workforce, these ideals will also drive improved collaboration between manufacturing industry partners, like NIST and Manufacturing USA, to resolve some of the sector's most pressing workforce and technology challenges.
The report specifically outlines the plan through 2030, with wider industry feedback and endorsement required. As we continue to see manufacturing rapidly evolve, NIST recommends continuous review and updates of this industrial competency framework.
Read NIST's full report: Analysis of the Manufacturing USA Occupation and Competency Framework.