WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? - The Upskilling Opportunity for the Skilled Trades

In the ever-evolving construction industry, technology continues to insert itself in compelling ways, enhancing how the skilled trades operate on the job site. However, many still struggle to recognize how technology offers them unprecedented opportunities for growth and development. While some fear that technology will replace their hard earned skills and experience, the reality is that technology can open multiple doors to upskilling opportunities. Taking this leap offers tradespeople paths to enhance their capabilities as their careers mature, while lessening the hard demands of the field, and the safety threats ever present on the job site.

The Changing Landscape of Skilled Trades

The construction industry has always been dynamic, requiring skilled workers to continuously adapt, and deal with new techniques, equipment, tools, and materials. The surge in digital tools and automation are pushing the industry into a new era of innovation. Technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, ChatGPT, generative AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming integral parts of construction projects, and tradespeople who embrace these tools in ways that suit their aptitudes, are well-positioned to thrive in their careers in this changing landscape.

Upskilling: A Path to Professional Growth

1. Mastering Advanced Tools:

The adoption of technology provides tradespeople with the opportunity to master advanced tools that enhance their careers, and job prospects. For example, understanding how to operate drones for site inspections or using BIM software for project planning can give tradespeople a competitive edge. Acquiring these new skills takes grit no doubt but acquiring them will likely lead to better work and higher-paying roles within their trade.

2. Increasing Versatility:

Technology enables tradespeople to become more versatile in their roles. With the ability to operate various digital tools, tradespeople can transition between different tasks and projects more seamlessly. This versatility makes craftworkers and trade partners valuable assets to contractors because they embrace the "why" and "how" of data collection, and even better, understand how to apply these data outputs to their future projects. Those that do the employing are seeking workers who can navigate digital tools and contribute to modern, tech-driven projects. By continuously learning and adapting, tradespeople are ensuring their skills remain relevant and in demand.

3. Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities:

Knowing how to use advanced technology provides tradespeople with access to real-time data and analytics, empowering them to make informed decisions and solve problems more effectively. For instance, understanding IoT sensors that monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance needs, allows tradespeople to address issues proactively and work to minimize downtime caused by malfunctioning equipment.

4. Building Leadership Skills:

As tradespeople become proficient in technology, they have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within their teams. By sharing their knowledge and guiding others in adopting new tools, they can become mentors and leaders, driving innovation and improving team performance and site morale.

We did a little digging to provide our readers with examples!

Real-World Opportunities

1. Structural Steel Fitters and Augmented Reality (AR)

Example: A structural steel fitter working on a multi-floor high-rise project uses AR technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Upskilling Opportunity:

• Steel fitters can receive training in AR applications, which overlay digital information on real-world structures. By wearing AR glasses, fitters can view digital layouts directly on the physical framework, ensuring that beams and connections are placed precisely according to the design.
• AR enables fitters to visualize complex steel assemblies before they are built, helping them understand the overall structure and their specific tasks within the broader project.
• By having real-time digital overlays on the construction site, fitters can reduce errors, ensure proper alignment of steel components, and minimize rework, thereby enhancing project efficiency.

2: Drone Certification for Electricians

Example: Electricians working on large industrial sites use drones for aerial inspections of electrical installations.

Upskilling Opportunity:

• Electricians can undergo training to become certified drone operators, equipping them with the skills to operate drones safely and effectively for inspection purposes.
• By using drones, electricians can conduct aerial inspections of electrical installations, such as power lines and rooftop solar panels, reducing the need for manual inspections that require ladders or scaffolding.
• Drones allow electricians to assess high-risk areas without physically accessing dangerous locations, thereby minimizing the risk of falls and other accidents.
• Aerial inspections with drones are faster and less labor-intensive than traditional methods, allowing electricians to complete inspections more quickly and allocate their time to other critical tasks.

3. Carpenters and 3D Printing

Example: Carpenters working on custom furniture projects use 3D printing to prototype designs.

Upskilling Opportunity:

• Carpenters can learn to design and print 3D models of their projects, allowing them to test and refine designs before committing to full-scale production.
• 3D printing enables carpenters to quickly produce prototypes, reducing material waste and allowing for rapid iterations and improvements.
• Carpenters can use 3D printing to create highly customized and intricate designs, expanding their creative possibilities and offering unique solutions to clients.

4. Heavy Equipment Operators and Machine Control Systems

Example: Heavy equipment operators on large highway construction projects use machine control systems for precise grading and excavation.

Upskilling Opportunity:

• Operators receive training on systems like the Topcon 3D Indicate Excavator System, learning to set up and operate GPS-guided machinery.
• Using machine control systems, operators can achieve precise cuts and fills, following digital terrain models to execute complex grading plans with high accuracy.
• Machine control systems reduce the need for physical stakes and surveyors, allowing operators to work more efficiently and with fewer interruptions.
• Precise control over excavation and grading minimizes material waste and reduces rework, contributing to cost savings and project efficiency.

5. Pipefitters and Industrial Design Software

Example: Pipefitters working in a chemical processing plant use industrial design software for piping system installation and maintenance.

Upskilling Opportunity:

• Pipefitters are trained to use software like Bentley AutoPIPE for designing and analyzing complex piping systems.
• Pipefitters are enabled to create detailed 3D models of piping systems, ensuring precise layout and alignment with other plant components.
• Software tools allow pipefitters to conduct stress analysis tests, and ensure designs meet industry standards and safety regulations.

Embracing these technologies and digital tools are foundational to the evolution of this modern age. And even if some of us wanted to, there is no turning back! The genie's are out of the bottle, the barn doors are wide open, and the proverbial animals are gone. This is not a light lift, we realize!

Follow the next editions of this newsletter. We'll show you how.

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