The brand new Certificate in Robotics and Automation will help to plug a vital skills gap in the fourth industrial revolution

For any savvy employer looking to future-proof their training for Industry 4.0, hands-on experience of robotics is a must.

With this in mind, the UK’s new Certificate in Robotics and Automation – designed to equip learners with the skills to install, operate and repair these complex machines – couldn’t be more timely.

“We see this new qualification as being highly relevant to all industry sectors at a time when firms are planning a key role for robots in the workplace, but need to acquire a range of skills in-house,” says David Morgan, UK sales manager of the specialist awarding organisation for industry, EAL.

This qualification which will allow [young people] to get hands-on with the future David Morgan, UK sales manager, EAL

“As a vocational Level 3 qualification, it’s aimed both at engineers at the beginning of their working lives and existing professionals who now need to acquire new skills. We have also pitched it at any small business that has an automated process and not just the larger organisations.”

The EAL qualification has been developed in collaboration with European partners through the Skillman project, funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme, and aims to increase advanced manufacturing and future skills.

Automation on the rise

According to the British Automation and Robot Association, there are just 33 robots per 10,000 employees in the UK, versus 170 in Germany at present. Yet with 1.4 million such machines likely to be deployed in British industry by next year, the demand for qualified engineers able to work closely with the next generation of robotics is set to grow.

“It’s true that, as a country, we’ve lagged behind our competitors when it comes to automation and robotics,” says Mr Morgan, “but with this particular qualification, all that a school, college or employer needs in terms of delivery is a single robot.

“When it comes to young engineers in particular, the appetite for technological skills is enormous. I believe many thousands of students will enrol for this one-year, part-time qualification, which will allow them essentially to get hands-on with the future,” he adds.

Relevant: new qualification designed to teach robotics installation, operation and repair skills Credit: Getty

For Alison Parkes, chief operating officer of engineering skills organisation Semta, all industries that use engineering and digital technology – including the healthcare sector – could benefit by the launch of this qualification.

Ms Parkes says: “Robotics engineers are involved in the manufacture of health and social care equipment such as hoists, beds and trollies, and as technology develops, will play an increasingly important role in healthcare systems in the future.

“While there is no suggestion that healthcare workers will be replaced, it is recognised that engineers can help to alleviate the pressure on healthcare delivery by providing technology solutions that reduce errors, and improve the access and affordability of services. Some of the early applications that have been developed, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment, are already having a positive impact.”

Bridging the gap

Developed in association with Jaguar Land Rover and Birmingham Metropolitan College, the EAL certificate will, she says, plug an important skills gap for the SMEs that together make up more than 99 per cent of the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector (AME).

“It’s also especially important that we are able to reach out to SMEs and secure their skills pipeline to meet the challenges posed by the digitalised, automated future,” she says.

1.4 million robots are expected to be deployed in British industry by next year

“Research has found that while awareness of 4.0 doesn’t differ between smaller (42 per cent) and larger (43 per cent) employers in AME, small firms are much less likely to have in place comprehensive plans to ensure that their workforce is ready for automation.”

Ms Parkes says that simply not knowing where to go for robotics training is one of the likely reasons for this difference – so the introduction of accessible training will prove a decisive step. “The same technology is being applied and utilised across many industries, and having skilled people to develop, operate and maintain it is vital. I believe the demand for qualifications like this one can only grow.”

For more information about the qualification, visit eal.org.uk or call 01923 652400.