This paper reports findings from a survey of industry partners of three two-year colleges located in Texas. The objective of this survey was to assess workforce needs and skill sets in the area of industrial automation. Of the 103 industry participants, 78 responded that their companies employ technicians or engineers who maintain automated manufacturing systems as part of their job. The majority of these 78 participants (about 88%) indicated that their primary market segment/industry includes one of the following: Oil & gas, Automotive, Semiconductor & electronics, Energy storage and distribution, Metals, or Machine builder. Almost half (47%) indicated that their job level was manager or above; the rest were primarily either engineers or technicians.
Participants were then asked to rate the importance of specific competencies within four areas related to industrial automation: electrical and electronic components and systems; operation and control of automated systems; maintenance and repair of electrical/electronics equipment; and maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment. The competencies were selected based on a review of syllabi used in teaching industrial automation subjects. Participants were asked to rate each competency as not important, somewhat important, important, or very important.
Participants were also asked to list the most pressing challenges being faced by their companies. Inability to find/hire enough skilled entry-level employees was a very strong and common theme. Finally, participants were asked to identify skill sets or knowledge they wish new technicians or engineers had that they don't currently have. Some commonly mentioned needs included hands-on experience, communication skills, PLC-related knowledge and skills, and troubleshooting.
The survey data were analyzed both in aggregate and broken down by the industry partners associated with each two-year college. The two-year colleges have used the survey results to come up with action items, such as curriculum changes and development of instructional materials and technologies.
Dr. Sheng-Jen ("Tony") Hsieh is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution and a member of the Graduate Faculty at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. His research interests include automation, robotics, cyber-manufacturing and Industry 4.0; optical/infrared imaging and instrumentation; micro/nano manufacturing; and design of technology for engineering education. He is also the Director of the Rockwell Automation Laboratory at Texas A&M University, a state-of-the-art facility for education and research in the areas of automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 systems. He was named Honorary International Chair Professor for National Taipei University of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan, for 2015-21. Dr. Hsieh received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
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