As automation continues to ingrain itself in our everyday lives, the heavy industry sector finds itself in a pivotal period. New technologies are shifting the landscape and while naturally it’s raised concerns in the workforce, it’s also introduced new roles and talent pools for both companies and candidates to embrace the automated future.
Concentis is always adapting to changes and trends, ensuring our candidates are on the front line of industry evolution. Automation isn’t going anywhere, nor should it; automation in heavy industry improves safety, increases efficiency, and provides plenty of new opportunities to upskill for those who are willing to adopt a new way of thinking and operating.
Safety is paramount in heavy industry jobs, with many tasks involving physical exertion or even exposure to hazardous substances. Introducing automation to the process can actually protect the workforce, as robots can take over the dangerous jobs – like handling heavy materials or working in toxic environments – and human workers can focus on supervision and control. In the mining industry, for example, robotic drills and excavators can operate in unstable tunnels to reduce the risk for human miners and improve working conditions. This opens new doors for employees to shift from workers to operators and creates opportunities to focus on more creative and problem-solving oriented tasks.
The key benefit to introducing automation in heavy industry is the ability to streamline processes with greater speed and more precision. Not only does this reduce manufacturing and production time, but it also allows the labour force to complete more complex tasks and focus on new ventures or improvements.
Industrial automation tools and technologies provide vast amounts of data to make more informed decisions – from optimising operations to predicting maintenance needs, or enhancing overall efficiency. The ability to analyse collected information to create holistic solutions, track assets in the field, and maintain a competitive edge is now in high demand.
With new systems comes new opportunities to upskill, as emerging spaces require advanced technical skills over manual labour. After all, automation doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it requires an integrated approach with other digital technologies, strategic planning, and investment in employee development.
With automation evolving rapidly, companies will be looking to fill specialised roles to ensure new technologies work seamlessly with existing processes. There’s an increased demand for engineers and technicians who can design, program and maintain automated systems, as well as skilled operators who can oversee and troubleshoot the process. Expertise in augmented reality and virtual reality is also surging, as digital twin technology allows companies to create digital replicas of real-world processes to help understand and improve production lines and outputs.
While the rise of automation may shift traditional job roles, it also opens up new opportunities for candidates to engage in more skilled, creative, and rewarding tasks at the forefront of the heavy industry. This fundamental shift will call on temporary or contract workers who can fill specialised roles or require existing workers to embrace new skills to align with the systems being implemented.
As Australia’s project resourcing specialists, Concentis understands the unique challenges presented by the rapidly changing nature of automation in heavy industry. Our expertise in sourcing highly skilled project professionals ensures your business not only keeps up, but stays ahead. Speak with our team to secure the right talent for your future success.
24 Feb 2025