Why Colleges and Employers are Struggling to Keep up with Automation

Can you imagine running on a treadmill that gets faster every time you adjust to its speed? That's how many colleges and employers feel in the face of rapid automation.

Automation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, is transforming industries across the board. While it promises increased efficiency and productivity, it's leaving many colleges and employers in a frantic scramble to keep up.

It’s an equally big problem for students and workers — whose nightmare scenario is finding that their skills are outdated, roles are being automated, and career prospects are dwindling.

Everyone faces the same question: how do we keep up with the unpredictable, relentless march of technological progress?

But there’s good news. 

‍You don't have to be a victim of this disruption. By understanding the challenges posed by automation, you can take proactive steps to upskill, adapt, and stay ahead of the curve.

In this article, we’ll explore why colleges and employers are struggling to keep pace with automation, examine the consequences of this lag, and discuss potential solutions to bridge the growing skills gap.

Automation: A Double-Edged Sword

There's no denying the benefits of automation. 

It can streamline processes, increase productivity, improve safety, and even create new jobs. PwC forecasted that AI alone will contribute about US$15.7 trillion to global GDP in 2030.

However, the rapid pace of automation has negative consequences too:

• Companies struggle to find workers with the right skills to manage and work alongside these new technologies. 
• Workers frantically try to figure out how to stay relevant in a job market that seems to be changing overnight.
• The education system is tied up, attempting to prepare students for jobs that might not even exist yet.

A 2023 review of automation technology mentions that 49% of global work activities can be automated. That's nearly half of what we do at work that could potentially be taken over by machines!

While earlier job market projections assured a net increase in jobs, the World Economic Forum's 2023 Future of Jobs Report reports structural job growth of 69 million jobs and a decline of 83 million jobs by 2027. That’s a net decrease of 14 million jobs! 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. include data scientists, statisticians, information security analysts, and software developers. However, several non-STEM jobs, including many healthcare roles and certain technicians, are also insulated from the growth of automation. 

Apart from these, many existing jobs will be transformed rather than replaced — an Accenture report finds that 43% of U.S. workers' tasks could be reinvented by technology augmentation or automation.

Both the transformed and the new roles will require different skills than before.

It’s also worth noting that the impact of automation isn't uniform across all industries and demographics. 

• Some jobs, particularly those involving routine, repetitive tasks, are more susceptible to automation than others. By 2030, 20 million manufacturing jobs are set to be lost to robots.

• Workers with lower levels of education and older workers may face greater challenges in adapting to the changing job market.

This unequal impact adds to the complex landscape for colleges and employers. Altogether, it’s a perfect storm of technological advancement, skills mismatch, and institutional lag.

Why Traditional Colleges Are Falling Behind

A college degree was once considered a golden ticket to a stable career. 

However, faith in colleges is fading – a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll found that 56% of Americans agree that a four-year college education is not worth the cost. 

Higher education is still valuable – but it’s struggling to keep up with change. 

Slow Curriculum Change

With their lengthy development cycles, traditional academic programs find it difficult to adapt their programs to respond to the real-time demands of an AI-automation-driven job market.

By the time a new program is approved and launched, the tech world has moved on to the next big thing.

Skills Mismatch

The mismatch between skills taught in colleges and those required by employers is widening. 

Over 50% of respondents in Bain’s survey of 200 enterprises highlighted a “lack of internal expertise or knowledge” as their most significant impediment to AI-driven automation. The previously mentioned WEF report found that AI and big data training rank third among company skills-training priorities in the next five years.

While many academic programs teach the traditional core knowledge and skills required by their respective fields, they don’t prepare students for the changes in these fields brought about by AI and automation. 

Faculty Expertise Gap 

How do you teach the latest in automation when you've been out of the industry for years? Many college professors, brilliant as they are, aren’t experts in new technologies impacting their fields. 

Many professors continue to work and research in their industry while teaching, but students might benefit more from modules specifically designed by experts in new technologies and skill sets. 

Theory Versus Practical Knowledge

Traditional colleges are great at building a solid theoretical grounding.

However, when it comes to employability, specifically in automation, employers are looking for graduates with practical, hands-on experience.

They increasingly value graduates who can hit the ground running with the right skills.

Consequences of the Disconnect

This disconnect has far-reaching consequences. 

Graduates may find themselves entering the workforce with skills that are already obsolete, hurting their career prospects and earning potential. 

A 2024 report by the Burning Glass Institute and the Strada Institute for the Future of Work found that 52% of graduates are underemployed a year after graduation. A decade after graduation, 45% of graduates are still underemployed.

Employers, in turn, struggle to find qualified candidates, leading to productivity losses and stifled innovation.

Employers’ Automation Problem 

For employers, automation should be a blessing — but it’s often a difficult adjustment. 

New Technologies Need Skilled Workers!

Companies across industries are finding themselves in a bind. 

On one side, cutting-edge automation promises increased productivity. On the other, a workforce that's not quite ready for it.

The skills gap — the difference between the skills employers need and those that workers possess — is widening at an alarming rate. 

According to the WEF, 60% of workers will require training before 2027, but only half of workers have access to adequate training opportunities today.

This isn't just about production line workers — roles in finance, law, and even medicine are feeling the heat as AI systems become increasingly sophisticated.

The Cost of Falling Behind

Falling behind on automation isn't just inconvenient – it can cost businesses millions! The skills gap translates into lost productivity, missed opportunities, and a struggle to remain competitive.

• Lost Productivity: According to WalkMe’s 2024 State of Digital Adoption, inefficient technology usage results in an average of $1.14 million in lost productivity a week.

• Market Share Slip: Businesses that can't keep up risk losing market share to more agile, automated competitors.
• Innovation Stagnation: Without the right skills to leverage new tech, companies struggle to innovate and stay relevant.

Retraining Issues

So, why not just retrain existing employees? If only it were that simple.

Retraining takes time and money – two things businesses often find in short supply. Traditional corporate training programs move slow, often making them inadequate in the face of rapid technological change. 

Much like academic programs, by the time a corporate training program is developed, approved, and implemented, it may already be outdated. 

This leaves employers scrambling to find alternative solutions to upskill and reskill their workforce.

Recruiting the Right Talent

Okay, so retraining is tough. Why not just hire new talent? 

Well, good luck with that.

The demand for tech-savvy workers who can handle automated systems is skyrocketing. According to an IBM study, executives estimated that 40% of their workforce will need to reskill as a result of implementing AI and automation. 

Automation Anxiety

Let's not forget the human element in all this. Employees are feeling the heat, too.

Employees believing their jobs might be replaced by automation are a recipe for workplace stress and reduced productivity — the exact opposite of what automation promises.

Where Should Employers Go Next?

Employers are stuck between the promise of automation and the reality of a skills-strapped workforce. It's a tough spot to be in, but it's not hopeless.

Keeping up with automation requires a shift in mindset from viewing training as a one-time event to embracing it as an ongoing process.

But how do employers foster a culture of continuous learning and bridge the skills gap effectively? 

‍

The Solution for Skills Development: Online Learning

The challenges faced by traditional education and employer-led training have a promising solution: online learning. 

The growth of digital infrastructure has made this skill development solution available to students and employees around the world. It offers a flexible, accessible, and adaptable way to keep up with automation and AI.

Advantages of Online Learning

Online learning platforms provide several benefits for both individuals and employers.

1. Personalized Learning Paths

Unlike one-size-fits-all classroom instruction, online courses often allow learners to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. 

This personalized approach can lead to increased engagement and better retention of information.

2. Up-to-Date Content

Online courses can be updated quickly to reflect the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring learners are equipped with the most relevant skills. 

This is crucial in fields like technology and engineering, where advancements occur at a rapid pace.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Online courses are often more affordable than traditional education, making them accessible to a wider range of learners. Students often cite reduced costs as a major advantage of distance education.

This particularly benefits those who may not have the financial resources to pursue a college degree or those seeking to upskill without incurring significant debt.

4. Scalability

Online learning platforms easily accommodate large numbers of learners, making them ideal for companies looking to upskill or reskill their entire workforce. This scalability can also help address regional skills shortages by providing access to training in areas with limited educational resources.

5. Flexibility and Convenience

Online learning offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and on their own time. 

This is a game-changer for working professionals who need to balance their education with their careers and personal commitments.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Program

While online learning offers numerous advantages, it's crucial to choose a reputable and accredited program to make sure your investment and effort count. 

Look for programs that are:

• Job-Focused: The curriculum should be aligned with the specific skills and knowledge required for in-demand jobs in your field.
• Industry-Relevant: The program should be developed in collaboration with industry experts and employers to ensure its relevance to the current job market.
• Interactive and Engaging: Look for courses that incorporate interactive elements like simulations, virtual labs, and quizzes to enhance the learning experience.

By carefully evaluating your options and choosing a high-quality online training program, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the age of automation.

What Exactly Are The Skills & Knowledge Needed?

We’ve talked a lot about the skills gap, its consequences, and how to bridge it. But what exactly are the skills workers and employers should be looking out for?

Technical Skills for a Technological World 

First things first — technical skills are going to be valuable in an automation and AI-driven world. 

But that doesn’t mean everyone has to be a coder! Tomorrow’s professions will be supplemented by a range of digital and technical skills. 

You need to find what’s valuable for your field:

• Data Analysis: In a world drowning in data, employers require those who can make sense of it. Apart from the growth in data scientist roles, other professions – such as digital marketers and financial analysts – might require proficiency in AI data analysis tools. 
• Robotics: From manufacturing to healthcare, robots are everywhere. Maintenance technicians who want to transition into more lucrative roles will benefit from picking up expertise in robotics, AI systems, and mechatronics.
• Greater Digital Fluency: Everyone can surf the internet — but can you find and use the right tools to improve your job performance? The National Skills Coalition (NSC) found that 92% of jobs analyzed require digital skills. However, previous NSC research showed that one-third of workers don’t have the necessary foundational digital skills.

Technical skills won’t cut it alone, though – and they aren’t the only way forward either. 

What Robots Can’t Do: Soft Skills 

In a world of hard tech, soft skills are becoming more crucial than ever. Why? Because they're the skills that machines can't easily replicate.

• Critical Thinking: Machines can crunch numbers, but humans need to interpret those numbers and make tough decisions. The WEF ranks analytical thinking as the most important skill for workers.
• Creativity: AI can generate content, but it is constrained by the data sets it is trained on and often unable to be truly original and innovative. 
• Emotional Intelligence: Robots are getting smarter, but their interpersonal skills are nowhere near those of real humans. In a world of increasing human-machine collaboration, EQ will make a huge difference when connecting with customers and clients.
• Communication: Automation might produce great products, but someone needs to communicate the product for it to get adopted. Additionally, communication within and across teams is increasingly valuable in our highly collaborative era. 

The Adaptability Factor

The most important skill in the age of automation might not be a skill at all — it's a mindset.

Author and futurist Alvin Toffler prophetically declared in his 1970 book Future Shock that:

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."

He couldn’t have been more right. Adaptability and a willingness to learn continuously are becoming non-negotiable. 

Why? Because the only constant today is change.

In the automation era, it's all about:

• Learning: Picking up new skills quickly
• Unlearning: Letting go of outdated methods
• Relearning: Updating your knowledge continuously

Stay Ahead of Automation with Unmudl

Traditional institutions are scrambling to keep up, leading students and workers to look for new ways to acquire in-demand skills. 

Unmudl offers a powerful solution, empowering learners, colleges, and employers to thrive in this new era.

Unlike traditional education, which often operates on a slower timescale, Unmudl's agile model allows for rapid course development and updates. 

Our curriculum is always aligned with the latest industry trends and technologies, providing you with the most relevant skills for your profession. Similarly, we partner with colleges and employers to help them create a tailored talent pipeline.

Job-Focused Learning That Works

Our approach is simple yet effective: we work with industry leaders and employers to design job-focused courses that directly address the skills gap. 

This collaboration ensures that our learners are equipped with the practical expertise that employers are actively seeking, making them prime candidates for the jobs of tomorrow. 

Upskilling and Reskilling Made Accessible

Unmudl's online platform offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing learners to upskill or reskill at their own pace and on their own terms. 

Whether you're a working professional looking to enhance your current skillset or seeking a career transition, our self-paced courses fit seamlessly into your busy life.

A Marketplace for Skills and Opportunities

Our unique Skills-to-Jobs® Marketplace connects learners directly with employers who are hungry for talent. 

This streamlined approach eliminates the guesswork of job hunting. You show your skills and qualifications straight to companies actively seeking workers with your expertise.  

Partnerships with Colleges

Unmudl understands the problems faced by colleges today and offers distinctive solutions to help them better serve learners and employers.

Become Part of a National Network

By joining Unmudl's network, colleges gain access to a national network of forward-thinking institutions – expanding their reach and impact. 

Unmudl’s Community and Technical College Network (CTCN) meets regularly to share best practices, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on new training solutions. By joining the CTCN, colleges can access a wealth of knowledge and resources, growing their capabilities. 

Seamlessly Engage with Employers

Unmudl facilitates meaningful connections between colleges and employers, streamlining the process of identifying workforce needs and tailoring training programs to meet those needs. 

This collaborative approach ensures that your college’s graduates are equipped with the precise skills employers want, making them highly sought-after candidates in the job market.

Launch College Originals

Colleges can leverage Unmudl's platform to launch their own signature programs, known as College Originals, to a national audience. 

This collaboration allows them to share their expertise and resources far beyond their local communities, attracting learners from all corners of the country — while generating additional revenue.

Build a Pipeline of Learners

We help colleges create a steady stream of learners by offering easy-to-access courses that start anytime. 

This eliminates the need for traditional application processes and wait times, making education more accessible and appealing to working learners.

Unmudl Huddles

Unmudl Huddles are monthly events that bring together employers and colleges for open, transparent conversations about workforce needs. 

These discussions help colleges gain valuable insights into the number of jobs available, the specific skills required, and the number of candidates needed by employers. 

Colleges can use these insights to design and deliver targeted training programs that directly address industry demands.

Solutions for Employers 

Unmudl understands that employers walk a tightrope – balancing the potential benefits of automation while maintaining a workforce equipped with the necessary skills.

Investing in employees' skills is not just a cost but a strategic investment that yields high returns. We can help increase those returns.

• Develop a Talent Pipeline Faster: Unmudl's Skills-to-Jobs® platform shapes our upskilling and reskilling efforts to fit tomorrow’s in-demand skills. 
• Identify and Address Skills Gaps: Our team of experts will work with you to pinpoint the exact skills your workforce needs to thrive in an automated environment.
• Design Custom Training Solutions: Our team of experts collaborate with you to create "Originals" skillware. These courses address your specific skills requirements and are updated as needed.
• Access a National Network of Colleges: Tap into Unmudl's extensive network of community and technical colleges to find the right talent and training resources for your needs.
• Validate Skills and Knowledge: We ensure your workforce training is aligned and integrated with industry certifications, academic credentials, and talent acquisition programs.
• Strategically Align Talent with Demand: Plan for the future by building skilled talent pools in locations where your company anticipates future growth.

Start Your Unmudl Journey Today!

Whether you’re a student, college, or employer — Unmudl helps you keep up with the relentless pace of automation and AI.

If you’re ready to future-proof your skills, start a free trial with us today!

Alternatively, find out more about how we keep you ahead of automation with our powerful, hassle-free solutions for colleges and employers.