• A higher degree of technical and technological expertise as production systems become more automated and more interconnected, and as workplaces incorporate advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, microelectronics, and robotics;
• Continued reliance on the skilled trades, but in combination with other technical and business skills;
• A greater reliance on manufacturing and product engineering, product and process design, and scientific research;
• Multilingual and multicultural skills, as business operations expand on a more global basis;
• Management skills in the fields of manufacturing processes, supply chains, product and knowledge development, financing, and global business; and,
• An ability to adapt easily to constantly-changing roles in a constantly-changing workplace. The pace of technological change and the rapid response that will be demanded of the manufacturing enterprise of the future mean that all employees will not only have to be flexible enough to adapt to changes in their job, but willing and able to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills on a path of life-long learning.

Human resource management will become a core competency for the business of manufacturing. HR managers will be focusing their efforts on driving business improvement and innovation through the development and reward of employees. And, they will play a critical role in asset management – in attracting, retaining, deploying, developing, managing, and investing in the knowledge base of their workforce.

Manufacturers also recognize that labour-management relations must become more collaborative. Even a highly skilled workforce will not be able to adapt to the demands of the global marketplace if workplace relationships are still based on the assumption of routinized, assembly line work processes, with hierarchical top-down decision making that is focused on repetitive activity. More responsibility for decision-making will be passed to workers at all levels of the manufacturing enterprise, requiring a more seamless alignment of responsibilities, competencies, and rewards throughout business organizations.

Strengths

Canada enjoys one of the most highly educated and skilled industrial workforces in the world.

Pools of specialized skills and training facilities offer an incentive for some companies to invest and expand their business in Canada. A number of excellent educational and training facilities exist across the country – in high schools, colleges, and universities – where educators are working with people in industry to ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the requirements of a modern manufacturing workforce. Sector councils are coordinating trainingneeds at a regional, provincial, and national level. Manufacturers, together with colleges, training organizations, sector councils, and governments are working to strengthen apprenticeship programs and increase the availability of skilled trades people.