Worker mobility and training in advanced manufacturing

Abstract

Worker training is a priority for manufacturing organizations, and State and Federal policymakers in the United States. There is a need among US manufacturing industries for a training process plan, including information on what to train the worker in given the changes in product, process, and system-level technologies, and how best to deliver such training at minimal cost. Also, from the viewpoint of the manufacturing worker, possession of transferable skills is commonly expected to provide the worker flexibility and mobility. The objectives of this paper are to examine the issues involved in generating such a training plan, and suggest a framework for generating such a plan. A case study illustrating application of elements of the training framework is also presented. Relevance to industry Manufacturing industry can use the framework presented in this paper for development of effective training plans (both in terms of cost and technical effectiveness) so that workers are ahead of constant technological changes in manufacturing.