From the Classroom to the Field: Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

In this episode, Dora Smith and John Nixon of Siemens discuss the critical trends and challenges in academia and workforce development, particularly in the energy, chemicals, and infrastructure sectors.

Our guests highlight several key challenges facing these industries:

• The rapid growth of digital technologies like AI, machine learning, and the industrial metaverse is creating a major skills gap. Workers need to develop “digital fluency” to leverage these new tools effectively.
• There is a significant labor shortage, with high demand for skilled workers in fields like welding, pipefitting, and data center operations to support growing energy needs.
• Traditionally, academia has struggled to keep curricula at pace with industry needs. However, this is starting to change, with 60% of universities now looking to supplement degrees with industry-created micro-credentials.

Dora and John also explain how micro-credentials can play a vital role in bridging this skills gap. These bite-sized, industry-recognized certifications allow for more agile, targeted upskilling than traditional 4-year degrees. Micro-credentials can be integrated into degree programs, creating clear pathways for students.

We also learn how Siemens is developing internal micro-credential programs to upskill their own workforce. This helps ensure workers have the necessary digital skills and to leverage emerging technologies in the field.