The manufacturing sector plays a key role in the economy of the United States. It accounts for about 20% of the global manufacturing industry. A quality and productive workforce is essential to sustain growth in this important industry.
According to a survey conducted by Deloitte and the Manufacturing institute, many US companies are facing shortage of skilled labor that is adversely impacting their ability to expand operations.
It is estimated that due to the lack of qualified workmen, around 600,000 jobs remain unfilled in U.S manufacturing industry seriously affecting the production. The fact that 25% of workers are set to retire in the coming few years further complicates the issue of availability of skilled personnel.
How could this problem of skilled manpower be resolved? The answer is efficient training.
How could effective training be provided quickly at low cost?
Blended learning could be used to impart highly effective training to the personnel of manufacturing companies because:
It helps develop skilled managers and supervisors
Capable managers and supervisors ensure high productivity by motivating the workers to perform well. The right blend of eLearning and ILT could be used to impart the necessary skills to develop competent managerial and supervisory personnel.
Online courses containing scenarios could be used to develop decision-making ability among managers that goes a long way in the success of manufacturing companies. The much needed communication skills could be enhanced through face-to-face interaction in classroom sessions.
Impart highly effective product training
Efficient product training facilitates transfer of product knowledge to the personnel that enhances their confidence while dealing with the customers.
E-learning is an ideal supplement to ILT in imparting effective product training. Videos could be used to demonstrate the operation of the product. Case studies could be effectively presented in online courses that help the workforce perform better in real-life sales scenarios. Using vector graphics with callouts along with animations and simulations will help in demonstrating the product components and their working in an interesting manner.
Provide excellent training on manufacturing processes
Imparting effective training on manufacturing processes helps increase productivity of organizations. Blended learning could be used to equip production personnel with the needed process knowledge and skills.
Complex concepts could be presented through ILT, while eLearning sessions could be used to complement the learning in brick and mortar classrooms. Tables and flow diagrams could be used to explain the various stages of the process and to give a clear overview of these stages. Animations help demonstrate how a process works in each stage, while simulations facilitate the worker to gain mastery over the production process.
Deliver comprehensive compliance training
Proper compliance training helps organizations adhere to the rules prescribed by the regulatory authorities. Online courses could be used to impart effective compliance training in conjunction with ILT sessions.
Videos could be used to communicate key messages across organizations emphasizing the need for compliance to prescribed standards. Case studies help workers to get exposure to real-life situations, which they are likely to face in the course of their jobs.
Thus, we see that blended learning is very useful to impart high quality and cost-effective training for the employees of manufacturing companies. We would like you to share your experiences.
