GE Careers Blog.

As automation technology has emerged and developed over the years, skilled workers have been forced to adapt and refine the necessary skills to utilize and maintain various systems. According to Bernie Anger, General Manager Control and Communication System for GE Intelligent Platforms, there is a shortage of individuals with the necessary expertise to accomplish these tasks and usher in the future of automation. Manufacturing Business Technology recently spoke with Anger about this skills shortage, the ideal skill set needed in today’s tech-heavy manufacturing environment, and how the skilled worker of tomorrow is preparing to coexist with ever-changing technology.

GE Lighting employed a “big data” system developed by GE Intelligent Platforms to overhaul its plant in East Flat Rock, North Carolina. The system helped workers at the plant cut order-to-shipment time from four to six weeks to as little as three days. Productivity grew by 30 percent and the plant, which manufactures next-generation LED lights, maintains a virtually perfect on-time delivery record. Higher productivity also means more jobs. The plant hired 100 new employees over the last two years and now employs 475 workers, enough to run two shifts five days per week.