“ In the context of a labour shortage , the industry is still struggling with the old stereotype that working in a plant is rough and the conditions are not good ,” Francis explained . “ Nothing could be further from the truth . The work is good and respectable , and you ’ re producing something that people need .”
In fact , technology has not only greatly improved the quality of the working environment but it has also facilitated the work for the workers in addition to increasing productivity . This must continue in order to play an important role in the evolution of our industry .
According to Francis , it ’ s not the worker that needs to change , it ’ s the industry . The industry needs to look itself in the mirror and ask why it has become scary to a new generation of workers . Says Francis , “ Our industry needs to adapt to the new generation of workers who are attracted by technology , and the simple fact of demonstrating that we are working with cutting-edge technologies such as robots , automation , and augmented reality can make a real difference in recruiting a younger workforce . This is why technology is unquestionably our number one ally in countering the labour shortage and changing opinions on our industry .”
In 2019 , the SPN annual conference was held in Nashville , Tennessee , and during our education day , our guest speaker , Ravi Tangri , CEO of Chrysalis Strategies in Halifax , Nova Scotia , explained how the technology you have today will be obsolete in five years . That struck a chord with Francis because he recognizes that we need new technologies ; it ’ s inevitable . It ’ s just a question of when we get there .
“ The more we wait , the more we lose ,” Francis cautioned .
“ CHANGE IS COMING ; ACKNOWLEDGE IT , EMBRACE IT , MOVE FORWARD . STOP LIVING IN THE PAST WITH THE OLD TECHNOLOGIES YOU HAVE . KEEP MOVING FORWARD .”
One of the great things about the structural steel industry is its ability to maintain the people who are in it . Creating , building , designing , and seeing those talents come to fruition with a project gives those who work in the industry a great sense of accomplishment . According to Francis , “ Even as technology advances , the integration of it must be done well and we must not skip a single step . Integrating technology in factories with workers who are long-term employees is also a challenge , and it ’ s something that must be done wisely because they are part of the solution .”
Thinking towards the future , Francis believes that finding people who are reliable and competent is another important factor in progress . Those who can be relied upon to grow the business , inspire workers , and provide for their communities will be the ones who launch organizations into increased profitability and succession .
“ We have the ability to improve rapidly ,” Francis added . “ The future is bright with new technologies . Each person finds satisfaction but has a different experience in the industry , and that ’ s what makes it a great industry to be in .” +
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