Workforce upskilling and talent retention in the industrial sectors

On 8 April, the first in a series of webinars organized by the React Cluster took place. React stands for Resource Efficiency and Automation for Circular Transformation. It’s a collaboration of projects from the EU Green Deal Cluster: ALCHIMIA, GRINNER, TUBERS, RECLAIM, CLARUS and WOOD2WOOD projects.

The first episode was entitled “Upgrading the workforce and retaining talent in the industrial sectors”. The webinar featured Dean Stroud, Professor of Skills and Workforce Development at the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University; Jorge Martins, Senior Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland; Beñat Elduayen-Echave, Senior Researcher at Ceit-BRTA Research Centre in Spain; and Antonius Schröder, Senior Researcher and Member of the Management Board Social Research Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences at TU Dortmund University. The session was chaired by Irene García, European Project Manager at Celsa Group.

“Forging the Future: Upskilling for AI in the Steel Industry” was the title of Dean Stroud‘s presentation. Based on the Alchimia project, he focused on upskilling for AI in the steel industry, emphasizing human-centred manufacturing and trustworthy AI. He also shared some identified emerging skills needs and developed a training program focusing on transversal skills such as leadership, data management and digital skills.

George Martins presented “Future Skills for Circular Wood Waste Solutions: Why Foresight Matters for Industrial Transitions” from the Wood2Wood project. During his presentation, he highlighted the importance of shaping the future through strategic planning and foresight on future skills for circular wood waste solutions. He also mentioned the need for new professions such as circular material designers and AI-driven sorting system operators.

“AI Tools for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators: Challenges and Impacts” was presented by Beñat Elduayen from the Darrow Project. His presentation focused on AI tools for wastewater treatment plant operators. He highlighted the impact of AI on training operators and improving decision making, as well as the challenges of integrating AI, including the need for process knowledge and alignment within organizations.

Antonius Schröder is the coordinator of the large-scale Skills Alliance for the Green, Digital and Social Transformation of the Energy Intensive Industries (Skills4EII) under the European Pact for Skills. He presented the relevance of skills for digital, green and social transformation in the steel industry. He highlighted the importance of transversal skills and continuous learning, the need to attract young talent and to improve the image of the steel industry. In relation to training and recruitment, he mentioned initiatives such as the Steel Hub and Skills for Planet platforms.

Key Takeaways

• Human-centric design and trustworthy AI are crucial for technological advancements in the industrial sector.
• Transversal skills like leadership, data management, and digital skills are essential for workforce upskilling.
• Foresight and strategic planning are necessary to anticipate future skill needs and occupational changes.
• AI tools can significantly improve decision-making and training processes in various industries.
• Attracting young talents and improving the industry’s image are vital for sustainable growth and innovation.

To view the full webinar as well as the Q&A at the end of the session, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkJ11e8WDZk