Empowering the Future Workforce: Highlights from the Manufacturing 4 All Workshop in Onil

• The workshop developed digital skills and Industry 4.0 competencies among youth in Onil to combat local depopulation.
• Participants preferred flexible online learning and desired competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and career growth opportunities.
• The participants emphasized the importance of customized training and creating inclusive, flexible work environments.

The Erasmus+ project “MANUFACTURING 4 ALL,” aimed at digital transformation and youth employability, recently conducted a pivotal workshop in Onil, focusing on career guidance, digital skills, and the development of key competencies for Industry 4.0. The workshop, held from June 12th to 13th, 2024, brought together young participants, facilitators, and industry experts to explore innovative training methodologies and career guidance strategies essential for addressing the depopulation challenges in the region.

Workshop Objectives and Activities

The workshop’s primary objectives were to design an Innovation Laboratory tailored to the needs of Industry 4.0, understand the perspectives and aspirations of the youth, promote the importance of digital skills, and foster a sense of initiative and entrepreneurial spirit among participants. Activities included interactive sessions, real-time data collection, and collaborative group work, emphasizing the project’s commitment to leveraging digital tools for educational purposes.

Key Findings

There was a significant presence of high school students aged 16-19, highlighting the need for early intervention and career guidance to influence future career choices. Participants also exhibited a foundational level of technological engagement, with a strong familiarity with basic digital tools and an interest in learning advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and Big Data. There was a clear preference for online platforms and e-learning, reflecting the need for flexible and accessible digital training programs provided both by the local governments or the workplace. In the same way, Project-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Programs were also discussed for their practical benefits and real-world applications. Finally, participants expressed a generally negative perception of job opportunities in Onil, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs to promote employability.

Participants identified several factors that could make local companies more attractive: Time flexibility and innovative work models like a four-day workweek were highly valued; financial incentives remained a crucial factor; clear career development pathways and continuous learning opportunities were important; finally, a supportive and respectful work environment was essential.

Recommendations

1. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored technical training, digital literacy, and professional development support between teenagers.
2. Local companies should partner with educational institutions to provide mentorship, internships, and training opportunities, promoting a seamless transition for young people into the workforce.
3. To attract and retain young talent, companies should focus on offering competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and clear career progression pathways.

In conclusion, the holding of the workshop with young people in Onil represents a further step towards improving youth employability in this rapid digital transformation in order to prepare them for industry 4.0 and 5.0. This event provided both career guidance and digital skills to young people, as well as highlighted the importance of aligning educational programs with labor market needs to foster employment opportunities in regions affected by depopulation. Collaboration between local businesses and educational institutions is vital to creating an environment of continuous learning and professional support. From the Manufacturing 4 All team, we defend innovative work models adapted to the needs of young people and industry.

About Manufacturing4all

“MANUFACTURING 4 ALL” is an Erasmus+ project dedicated to digital transformation and the development of Industry 4.0 competencies among youth. The project aims to tackle the challenges of depopulation in regions like Onil by enhancing digital skills and promoting new industries and entrepreneurial initiatives.