The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Autodesk, Inc. have launched the first four in a series of free courses to address the manufacturing skills gap. The need for additional training for engineers and manufacturing technicians, as well as resources for engineering educators, was identified in the 2024 "Industry 4.0 and Modernizing Manufacturing Education” report co-authored by ASME and Autodesk and published by the Association of Engineering Education (ASEE), and in their earlier collaborative multiphase research project on the “Future of Manufacturing.” To provide industry and academic guidance for advanced manufacturing, ASME and Autodesk conducted the research study to investigate and identify the future workflows and skills needed for mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering and machinist roles over the next decade.

The first four courses being released are:

• Design for sustainability
• Introduction to Industry 4.0 and technologies
• Industry 4.0 and business
• Digital literacy and data skills

“The project-based curriculum uses real-world examples to engage and motivate students and professionals as they develop skills that are in high demand,” said Stephanie Viola, executive director of theSource: Autodesk ASME Foundation and managing director of ASME Programs and Philanthropy. “These courses are the latest chapter in ASME and Autodesk’s efforts to help engineers and technicians advance their careers and to support manufacturers as they integrate advanced technologies into their operations.”

The researchers found that emerging technologies including design for manufacturing (DfM), operations technology infrastructure, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI and ML) technologies such as generative design, integrated software platforms, and centralized data management will require new skills of mechanical and manufacturing engineers and machinists. The report recommended training and education to develop these “hard skills” for current and future employees. In addition, engineers and machinists will need strong “soft skills” including creative problem solving, communication, and collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills to close gaps for each job role.

Additional courses covering the Evolution of Engineering and Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in context are planned for release in early 2025.