• • • TEST & MEASUREMENT • • •
Invest in the engineers of tomorrow, put cutting edge tools in their hands and
watch them fly By Paul Feenstra, Vice President Fluke EMEA, Fluke Corporation
There’s no doubt about it, the manufacturing industry is in the depths of a skills shortage and whilst technology offers some light at the end of the tunnel, we aren’t out of the woods yet. This, unsurprisingly, is combined with an era of efficiency, where we are expected to do more with less yet still hit those all-important quality and accuracy markers. As we look to widen the network of electricians and hire a more junior workforce, limited experience means the reliance on tools is greater than ever.
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When we talk about a heavy reliance on tools it’s important to note that the demand for 100 per cent accuracy in testing processes is literally the difference between life or death. In order to empower a new workforce and maintain maximum levels of quality, reliability and therefore safety, tools need to do more and aid in the education process. The best testing devices cannot just be foolproof but must also enable operators to get the best out of them, helping them execute repeatable tasks as simply as possible, like producing those all important safety reports. The main challenge comes about when the technicians themselves may lack the expertise required to achieve optimal results especially in a time effective way. With so many regulations to adhere to and new regulations appearing all the time, it’s hardly surprising that some might not be fully familiar with the exact details of every single reporting requirement or change in regulations, especially if they are new in role. So what’s the solution? We believe it to be
two-fold: start by investing in the next generation of skilled professionals to fill the knowledge gap and create powerful testing devices that are intuitive and easy to operate to enable them to do the job with confidence.
Skills and innovation Let’s start with the first point. Nobody in the industry should be throwing up their hands in despair at the skills levels of many of today’s generation of technicians. Instead the industry should be seeing this as an opportunity, maybe even a duty, to offer students across the world the training and support they need by giving them access to the best available trainers and tools. It’s important to invest time and effort in recognising and developing new talent, because time spent teaching students today through comprehensive educational programmes is an investment to achieving success tomorrow. There’s many ways in which you can add value too.
36 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MARCH 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
Currently Fluke works closely with leading engineering universities to ensure young professionals are equipped with the knowledge, experience and safety awareness needed to operate and excel in the demanding electrical and manufacturing industries. This involves not only donating tools but inviting guided groups of students through our Experience Centre at the Brainport Industries Campus in Eindhoven, showcasing world-class tools in a realistic environment (including miniaturised electrical substations, factories and even a data centre). Vendors can also form alliances and relationships with key educational institutions. For example, as well as working closely with Avans University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands to focus on the application of drone technology, we have strong ties with the Solar Team at the Eindhoven University of Technology enabling use of our solar tools and training. Two key areas of technological innovation and growth.
The aim here is to foster young talent and reinforce the importance of safety and skill development in the industry. Partnering with schools adds value too, as education about such a key element of modern life can never begin too soon.
There’s a range of groups and educational programs that support and nurture the advancement of young talent. For example the WorldSkills Competition (the ‘Skills Olympics’) held in Lyon in September. Where 1400 young talented professionals from 69 countries come together to showcase their skills and innovation across different tasks and challenges. Manufacturers can get involved by sponsoring or donating tools for use across their expansive challenge remit. As gold sponsor this year, we got to witness firsthand their dedication and see their expertise flourish across a diverse range of fields.
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