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Cisco and Rockwell Automation have joined forces to launch the “Digital Skills for Industry” program, an initiative aimed at addressing the digital skills gap in the manufacturing and mining sectors. This program, developed in collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners in Australia, seeks to provide the current and future workforce with essential digital skills, such as cybersecurity, networking, Internet of Things (IoT), data science, Ai, programming, and automation.
The program offers a unique approach by integrating Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) training, aiming to improve digital literacy, accelerate career growth, and support talent attraction efforts in these industries.
Digital Skills Shortage a Barrier to Competitiveness
Manufacturing and mining are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to stay competitive. However, as these industries rely more on digital tools and smart technologies, a lack of skilled workers capable of using these technologies has become a major barrier. The Manufacturing Skills Alliance estimates that 120,000 additional workers will need digital literacy by 2033 to meet industry demands.
With technologies like IoT, Ai, digital twins, robotics, and big data analytics transforming the industrial landscape, continuous training is essential to equip workers with the necessary skills. Without skilled personnel, facilities face challenges in applying and supporting these advancements effectively.
Industry Surveys Highlight Need for Skilled Workforce
A recent Cisco survey, the “State of Industrial Networking 2024,” revealed that a shortage of skilled workers is one of the biggest external concerns for the industrial sector, with 42 per cent of respondents citing it as a barrier to growth. Employee retention, named by 32 per cent of respondents, was identified as another critical internal issue.
Ben Dawson, Cisco’s Vice President for Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the program’s role in addressing these challenges. “As we enter the Ai era, industries have an opportunity to leverage technology for productivity and efficiency gains. But to do so, they need the right skills. At Cisco, we’re building on 30 years of experience in industry skills training, and with Rockwell Automation, we’re extending that training from IT to the shop floor. The goal is to unlock the existing workforce’s potential and attract the next generation.”
Rockwell Automation’s annual State of Smart Manufacturing survey echoed similar findings, reporting that knowledge of smart technology and cybersecurity practices is essential for manufacturers to remain competitive. Yet, finding skilled workers to implement these technologies remains challenging. The survey noted that 94 per cent of employers expect that new technologies will increase the demand for workers, both through new hires and by upskilling current employees.
Anthony Wong, Regional Director for South Pacific at Rockwell Automation, reinforced the urgency of addressing the skills gap. “Skills shortages are holding manufacturers back. Attracting skilled employees and training them to adapt to new systems and software is vital. Our research shows that 67 per cent of businesses in Australia and New Zealand rate knowledge of smart technology as extremely important.”
Program Structure and Offerings
The “Digital Skills for Industry” program, launched in July 2024 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Cisco and Rockwell Automation, builds on Cisco’s Networking Academy. This platform provides over 24 courses tailored to digital skills in areas like cybersecurity, IoT, operating systems, and professional skills.
Through Cisco’s Networking Academy, learners can gain practical skills using interactive tools and experiences, with course options ranging from six-hour micro-credential programs to 270-hour certification courses. Cisco has been involved in training over 269,000 students in Australia through its partnerships over the past 26 years and reached 3.7 million students globally in the past year.
Rockwell Automation is also contributing to the program by supporting its customers in developing automation training strategies. These strategies include virtual and instructor-led courses tailored to the needs of industries such as manufacturing and mining. The courses cover fundamental and product-specific automation topics, with training solutions designed for direct plant floor application as well as classroom and desktop learning.
Investing in a Digitally Skilled Workforce
As Australian industries work to stay competitive, upgrading systems to digital platforms and leveraging data from technologies like Ai have become essential strategies. The program emphasises that investing in digital technologies is only part of the equation—industries must also invest in the workforce capable of implementing and optimising these technologies.
Cisco’s Dawson stated that the partnership with Rockwell Automation aims to create a skilled workforce that can adapt to these changes. “The task here is to empower the workforce with the digital skills required for tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.
