Preparing Young Adults Through Multiskilling to Meet Industry 4.0 Needs and Beyond

Abstract

The rapid development of technology is moving faster than human skills. Wisconsin employers in manufacturing industries are experiencing the shortfalls in multiskilling that create challenges in being active players in not only the U.S. economy but also the global economy. The purpose of this case study was to examine and investigate how Wisconsin’s postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) curricula and programs are preparing students for the future of work through multiskilling to meet current, emerging, and future workforce needs. In addition, this study identified methods of instruction used to ensure students acquire the necessary skills to be successful in the ever-changing workplace. The results of the study could lead to recommendations in instrumental practices in Wisconsin’s postsecondary CTE curriculum and program design. Improved teaching practices would allow young adults to be prepared to enter the modern work world of Industry 4.0 and beyond. The methodology of the research was a case study and narrative research that included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, document review, and course artifacts (i.e., syllabus and rubric). The focus of the case study was a Wisconsin technical college’s manufacturing program.