By Ganymede
Automation is accelerating. Are engineering skills keeping pace?
Automation continues to transform manufacturing.
From robotics and intelligent control systems to increasingly connected production lines, businesses are investing in technology to improve productivity, efficiency and reliability.
But technology is only part of the equation.
As production environments become more sophisticated, the engineering skills required to support them are changing too. Controls, automation, electrical, commissioning and maintenance expertise are becoming increasingly important, while many businesses are competing for the same specialist talent.
Technology changes the skills requirement
Greater automation does not necessarily mean fewer engineers. Instead, it changes what businesses need from their engineering teams.
Engineers increasingly need to understand interconnected systems, diagnose more complex faults and work across traditional electrical, mechanical and controls disciplines.
At the same time, new equipment still needs to be installed, commissioned, maintained and continuously improved.
For businesses investing in automation, workforce planning therefore needs to form part of the conversation from the outset.
Keeping skills in step with investment
The organisations that get the most from automation will not simply be those investing in the latest technology. They will also be those able to build the engineering capability needed to support it.
Understanding where skills gaps could emerge, developing existing teams and accessing specialist expertise when required will all play an important part as automation continues to evolve.
These are some of the challenges Ganymede works with businesses to address across industrial engineering and automation.
We’ll be discussing this and more at PPMA Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham from 22–24 September, where Managing Consultant Paul Wilkinson will be representing Ganymede.
Get in touch with Paul to discuss your engineering and automation requirements.
📞 07801 662 380