Deloitte and Manufacturing Institute Examine AI for Technician Training

Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute examined how artificial intelligence could affect manufacturing technician work by expanding applicant pools, reworking workflows, and supporting on-the-job training.

The analysis focused on technician roles and linked expected employment growth with replacement needs, using projections through 2030. It cited a skills gap driven by the specificity of knowledge required for open manufacturing technician positions.

The study described AI as a way to digitize technical knowledge and put guidance at workers’ fingertips. It also referenced using AI to reduce time spent searching for answers, support workers transitioning from adjacent fields with similar skillsets, and help experienced manufacturing workers focus on higher-value tasks.

Deloitte and MI said the analysis identified nearly 2 million technicians in adjacent industries whose broad skills may transfer to manufacturing, and that employers may need to fill 2.3 million job openings across manufacturing and adjacent-industry technician occupations between 2025 and 2030. “AI has the potential to change not only how manufacturing work gets done, but how people prepare for and succeed in these critical roles,” said Manufacturing Institute President Carolyn Lee.

Press release, provided by Cision on behalf of Deloitte. Read the original.