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As we navigate the initial stages of Industry 4.0, a transformative era marked by digital innovation, technological progress is opening up unprecedented opportunities for enhanced productivity, improved profitability, and the creation of more sustainable products and services. While these advancements are exciting, they also raise concerns among our Design and Manufacturing clients, who worry about the shortage of skilled workers prepared for emerging technologies, software tools, and workflows.
At this critical juncture, many industry leaders are asking: *Where will we find these workers, and what skills should they possess?* To address these questions, Autodesk and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) collaborated on an extensive research project involving an academic literature review, in-depth phone interviews, and surveys of respondents in the US, Canada, and the UK.
Today, the released *Future of Manufacturing white paper report* provides valuable insights from both industry and academia, helping to identify the essential workflows and skills required for mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC machinists over the next decade. Ashley Huderson, Ph.D., ASME's director of engineering education and outreach, stated: “We had to ask ourselves and the field, what’s next? What are the jobs of the future, and what skills will those jobs demand? And most importantly, how and who do we train for positions that don't exist yet?â€
To watch a video detailing the transformation in manufacturing education, click [here](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/8bb65c1905e1b566d45ca687bdfff9df.net/embed/iframe/qxhj5x4glb).
### Essential Changes to Three Roles in Industry 4.0
Over the next decade, the manufacturing industry will continue to evolve significantly through digital transformation and role convergence. Although the three roles we examined will transform at different rates, our research revealed a consensus among academia and industry regarding the increasing importance of design for manufacturing (DfM), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) across these roles.
Remarkably, 90% of survey respondents agreed that enhancing students' DfM knowledge and skills is the most impactful way for academia to develop the future manufacturing workforce.
Here are some anticipated changes in each role over the next five to ten years:
**Mechanical Engineers**: These professionals will focus more on improving engineering designs and becoming more involved in manufacturing implementations, analyzing production data to refine designs for manufacturability. This means they will need applied knowledge throughout the manufacturing process. The survey indicated that 80% of academics agree that applying technologies like generative design will be a critical skill set for this role.
**Manufacturing Engineers**: Their role will become even more interdisciplinary, blending skills with both mechanical engineers and CNC machinists. They will shift their focus from individual manufacturing processes to overseeing overall production operations and analyzing globally distributed systems, including machining tools, robotic systems, and additive manufacturing facilities.
Industry insiders believe that 72% of respondents think human-robotic interaction will increase, and 74% foresee a rise in automation for this role.
**CNC Machinists**: Their role will transform dramatically, moving from simple CNC operators to engineering technicians who program CNC machines. Over time, they will take on additional manufacturing engineering functions. Among the three roles, this one is expected to change the most.
CNC machinists will need to develop new competencies in AI/ML for production, five-axis machines, additive manufacturing, and hybrid manufacturing. They will also be expected to collaborate more closely with engineering teams and engage more with upstream processes, including design, which will require a deeper understanding of CAM software.
### Collaboration Across Roles is Key
Our research highlighted broad agreement on the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, as well as with machinists and other external parties. This is largely due to the necessity of adopting a system-level approach to product development. More than 65% of small-to-medium manufacturers believe collaboration between the three roles will intensify.
This increased collaboration will necessitate better communication and group problem-solving as new workflows emerge and existing ones converge. Cloud collaboration platforms that remove geographical barriers and bring teams together in innovative ways will enable all three job functions to work more efficiently.
[Image: A collaborative team working on a cloud-based platform]
### Transforming Education for the Future of Manufacturing
While these insights are compelling, they also highlight the gap between where the industry is headed and the current content of academic curricula. With business pressures pushing manufacturing toward Industry 4.0, academia must align with these trends as quickly as possible.
As a former educator, I understand the complexity of this challenge. Prior to joining Autodesk, I served as a lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, where I was responsible for curriculum development and teaching mechanical engineering.
I witnessed firsthand the challenges facing manufacturing education. Educators are tasked with preparing students for emerging technologies while still teaching foundational concepts and meeting accreditation standards—all within the same timeframe.
Fortunately, our research uncovered some promising recommendations for educators. Respondents agree that business leaders should support the education sector in developing curricula. There is also shared interest in reducing 'time-to-talent' by incorporating real-world contexts and hands-on experiences.
In addition to introducing new skills in the classroom, educators should also allocate time for industry-recognized certifications for modern software, machines, and workflows. Interestingly, 86% of surveyed academics favor less reliance on traditional degrees and welcome more specialized certifications developed in partnership with industry.
Moreover, 84% of all survey respondents believe employers and academia should collaborate on new certification programs tailored to employer needs. And 91% desire new opportunities for long-term internships and co-op programs.
### Onward to Industry 4.0
A workforce equipped with valuable skills will not only benefit the manufacturing industry but also strengthen conditions for workers, enhance consumer satisfaction, and promote more sustainable practices to protect our planet.
Together, we can prepare the next generation for the rewarding roles awaiting them in Industry 4.0.
[Read the full Future of Manufacturing report here](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/8bb65c1905e1b566d45ca687bdfff9df.net/embed/iframe/qxhj5x4glb).
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*Note: This article reflects personal views and does not necessarily represent the opinions of my employer.*
June 07, 2025