Future of the Technician Workforce Study

Summary While this report documents impacts of Industry 4.0 on the technological competencies required of the technician-based roles in the Finger Lakes workforce, more work must be done to address the technician skill gaps in the surrounding region and the opportunities for residents and workers in providing greater access to the job opportunities available through the adaptation of these emerging technologies. As already referenced in the introduction of this report, over time, i4.0 is likely to negatively impact vulnerable occupations that are characterized by predictable and routinized work. As workers involved in these occupations are threatened with automation, there are a variety of higher functioning technician roles that will be needed by industry and as such, a great opportunity exists to better link residents and workers to these opportunities through training and education. As educators grapple with ensuring their programs incorporate these new smart and highly connective technologies making up the i4.0 designation, the community college must remain highly connected to local industry in order to remain informed of the rapidly changing technical workplace. Providing greater access to skill-based programming will remain a critical role for the community college in supporting industry while ensuring that all of the community is able to participate in the economic opportunities provided by this transformational technology within the future technician workforce.

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