Whether teaching at the high school or college level, educators can prepare students for Industry 4.0 by incorporating several strategies into their teaching and curriculum development.
A comprehensive Industry 4.0 training program will:
Incorporate Industry 4.0 Topics
Educators can incorporate Industry 4.0-related topics such as IoT, big data, AI, and machine learning into existing courses or develop new courses specifically focused on these technologies.
For example, students with no background in manufacturing should begin with the basics like industrial safety, hand tool skills, etc. and build to industrial competencies in areas like PLC troubleshooting, mechatronics, and data analytics, as well as learning to program and operate a robot.
Provide Hands-on Experience
Educators can provide students with hands-on experience with Industry 4.0 technologies through projects, labs, and internships. This will help students develop practical skills and understand the real-world applications of these technologies.
For example, Amatrol’s Industry 4.0 Fundamentals (I4F) is a high school-based program that prepares students for high-paying Industry 4.0 careers in local industries. It utilizes a combination of learning methods to give students a robust experience in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on, real-world Smart Factory skills.
This two-year high school program aligns with the following blueprint:
- Course 1: Introduction to Mechatronics
- Course 2: Introduction to Industrial Control Systems
- Course 3: Industrial Robot Operations and Programming / Certified Production Technician
- Course 4: Introduction to Industrial Internet of Things
Amatrol’s Smart Factory Training System is geared more toward community college programs. It includes application training for data analytics, industrial networking, network security, and manufacturing execution.
Community college educators can choose between a full-scale training device with heavy duty, industrial grade components similar to what learners will see on the job or a tabletop training device that delivers the same dynamic level of training and industrial-grade components but in a limited space.
Encouraging Interdisciplinary Learning
Industry 4.0 involves the integration of multiple technologies and disciplines, such as engineering, computer science, and business. Educators can encourage interdisciplinary learning by fostering collaboration between students from different fields and incorporating multiple perspectives into the curriculum.
Teach Soft Skills
Industry 4.0 requires professionals who can work collaboratively, communicate effectively and think creatively. Educators can develop students’ soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking through project-based learning, case studies and group discussions.
Stay Current with Industry Trends
Industry 4.0 technologies are constantly evolving, making it difficult for educators to stay current and for organizations to maintain up-to-date training programs.
Educators can stay current with industry trends by participating in professional development opportunities, attending conferences, and building relationships with industry professionals.
This also means staying up-to-date on the latest Industry 4.0 Certifications like those from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).Â
By incorporating these strategies, educators can help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the Industry 4.0 era and be ready for the jobs of the future.
