What skills does the industry of the future need? Nextomation’s perspective

Why is technology alone not enough?

The industry of the future means advanced production lines, robotics, automation, IoT systems and data analytics. However, even the most innovative technology does not function in a vacuum. Behind every machine, every system and every integration there are people.

As Aleksandra Hankiewicz-Bielawa, Head of HR at Nextomation, emphasises:

„The technology of the future is advanced equipment, machines and production lines. However, all this must be prepared by a team of professionals.”

Therefore, the question about the future of industry is in fact a question about the skills and attitudes that will enable this future to be created.

The competences of future engineers – Nextomation’s perspective

Decision-making courage

In the dynamic, unpredictable world of Industry 4.0, the ability to make decisions – often quick and difficult ones – is crucial.

„Today, in a world that is unpredictable, we must be constantly ready for change and dynamically make various, sometimes difficult decisions,” points out Aleksandra Hankiewicz-Bielawa.

Decision-making courage does not mean risk without analysis. It means a willingness to act despite uncertainty, flexibility in responding and taking responsibility for choices. It is a competence without which it is difficult to talk about innovation.

An open mind and a desire to develop

Technology is changing faster than ever. That is why the future belongs to those who want to learn and develop.

„We need people who want to develop, who want to learn, who look ahead and think about how to create and innovate,” says the Head of HR.

An open-minded attitude is not only about the desire to acquire knowledge, but also the willingness to question the status quo and seek new solutions. It is the foundation of an organisation that wants to set the direction for development, not just follow it.

According to the Future of Jobs 2025 report published by the World Economic Forum, as many as 44% of basic employee skills will change by 2030, and digital skills, creativity, mental resilience and the ability to learn will be key in the global labour market. 

Collaboration in diverse teams

Innovation does not arise in isolation. It arises where different perspectives meet. Diversity in age, experience, specialisation and ways of thinking allows for the development of more comprehensive and resilient solutions. In the industry of the future, the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams is becoming as important as technical skills.

Responsibility and commitment

Industrial transformation requires not only knowledge, but also attitude.

As Aleksandra Hankiewicz-Bielawa emphasises: „The attitude of responsibility, commitment and mutual inspiration cannot be overestimated.”

Responsibility means being aware of the impact of one’s decisions on the project, the team and the customer. Commitment is the willingness to go beyond the minimum – to create value, not just perform tasks.

How does Nextomation build an innovative work environment?

A few years ago, Nextomation underwent a significant transformation – from a company strongly focused on projects and technology to a company based on competencies and organisational culture. This meant a change in thinking: technology remains key, but it is people and their potential that drive development.

That is why the organisation is developing:

• employee initiative programmes,
• internal projects involving teams,
• the Kaizen programme, which enables the submission of improvements and ideas,
• continuous development of competencies and acquisition of knowledge from various sources.

It is continuous learning and the exchange of experiences that drive innovation.

Nextomation as a learning organisation

One of the key elements of organisational culture is embarking on the path of a so-called learning organisation. As the Head of HR points out, this means:

• a willingness to experiment,
• learning from mistakes,
• supporting courage in action,
• inspiring each other,
• taking advantage of team diversity.

The foundation of our culture is cooperation, credibility and commitment – both towards our customers and within the organisation.

It is this culture that allows us to combine technology with innovation and build an environment in which it is possible to truly shape the future of industry.

Create the future of industry together with Nextomation

Would you like to find out what skills really shape the industry of the future and how to build a team ready for change?

Watch an interview with Aleksandra Hankiewicz-Bielawa, Head of HR at Nextomation, who talks about decision-making courage, the culture of a learning organisation and how we develop the skills of the future in practice.

Watch the interview

Would you like to work in an environment that values courage, diversity and development?

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