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Future skills in the Metalektro: A necessary evolution

The technology industry, including the Metalektro, is going through a period of rapid change. Innovations in digitalisation, sustainability, and automation are having a direct impact on the skills expected of employees. In light of these developments, FME, in collaboration with research firm Panteia, has published a comprehensive report on the "Skills for the Future". This report highlights the need for new and adapted skills within the sector, with a focus on digital as well as technical and soft skills.

Digital skills: Driving force behind innovation

The report shows that the demand for digital skills has increased sharply in recent years, partly accelerated by the corona crisis. Younger employees in particular generally have good digital skills, but older employees are also expected to further develop their basic digital skills. The emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), predictive maintenance and digital twins requires employees to be able to handle data and complex processes.

Soft skills are becoming increasingly important

In addition to technical and digital skills, emphasis is also placed on soft skills. Effective communication, especially in an increasingly digital world, is crucial. Employees must be able not only to communicate effectively with colleagues, but also to analyse complex information and act independently. This is especially true now that production processes are becoming more complex due to digitalisation and fewer and fewer employees are responsible for larger parts of the process.

Future roles and new challenges

Developments in the Metalektro sector also present new opportunities. Features such as breakdown engineers now require more soft skills and analytical ability to solve complex failures. In addition, employees with skills in the areas of predictive maintenance, a technology that helps companies work more efficiently and sustainably.

Training and further training: lifelong development

The report highlights that the connection between vocational education and the future demand of the sector is not yet optimal. Vocational schools need to respond to the changing demand for skills so that students are well prepared for the future. In addition, companies are increasingly expected to retrain their employees so that they continue to develop the skills they need.

Read more in the report

The full report offers in-depth insights into the specific skills that will be needed in the Metalektro in the coming years. It is clear that the sector must continue to adapt to technological, economic and social developments.

For more information and to read the full report, please visit the FME website via the following links:


Sources:

  • Reporting skills for the future in the Metalektro, Panteia, February 2024.
  • FME, "Getting started with skills for the future", September 2024.