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.
Dora Smith
Dora leads the global future workforce and academic strategy at Siemens Digital Industries Software. She and her team develop lead strategies and programs to increase the digital mindset and skillset of students and future industry experts. Dora has vast experience in the engineering industry, with a specific passion and focus on technology education.
John Nixon
John has worked in energy and utilities for 30+ years, creating multiple energy and technology start-ups leading business development in China, Romania, Panama and the USA. John has also led large greenfield and brownfield projects with oil and mining supermajors in Canada and China, and spearheaded pipeline asset integrity programs in USA and Mexico.
Energy Transformation Podcast
Stay up to date on industry trends and discover what the future holds for the
energy and utilities industry. Our experts discuss the latest on digital lifecycle and
data collection, requirements management, low-code app development and the
impact of a systems engineering approach.
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