Technology-driven manufacturing is the career of the future
This story was originally published on LinkedIn as part of the Technically Speaking newsletter by Kathy Wengel., Executive Vice President, Chief Technical Operations & Risk Officer, Johnson & Johnson
I can’t think of many experiences that are more exhilarating to me than visiting one of our Johnson & Johnson manufacturing plants where life-changing products are being made, ready to be delivered to a waiting world. I’m passionate about inspiring people to enter the field of manufacturing and, in my capacity as Board Chair of the National Association of Manufacturers - NAM, am working to close the manufacturing skills gap and motivate more people to pursue careers in this exciting, fast-paced industry. I’m inspired by the dynamic environment of today’s manufacturing facilities, where pioneering technologies and advanced analytics are paving the way for a new kind of manufacturing.
When we invite the up-and-coming workforce inside our plants around the world, they are blown away by the teams using digital technologies to maximize production efficiencies and AI tools to improve predictive maintenance, real-time quality monitoring, product traceability and supply chain logistics. Along the way, we often reshape outdated perceptions—helping the next generation see how far today’s manufacturing environment has evolved. Yet, the manufacturing industry continues to experience a shortage of talent willing to enter the field, and it’s imperative we inspire the next generation of workers to join the millions of manufacturing employees working on the cutting edge.
Changing perspectives of the factory floor
How can we reach the next generation? By telling students, teachers, parents and young people the simple but powerful truth: manufacturing is an extremely fulfilling and dynamic career. We’re not talking about routine-driven jobs—we’re talking about high-paying, high-tech careers with purpose and impact. We’re looking for creators who want to work with the latest technologies and take our companies into the future.
AI tools—from machine learning to machine vision—are widely-used and key to advancing modern manufacturing. According to a recent study from NAM, 51% of manufacturers already use AI in their operations, with 80% noting that AI is essential to grow their business. AI tools allow manufacturers to make their shop floors safer, improve work experiences and create innovative products that solve global challenges. Today, solar panels power our plants, robotic systems pick and pack our products, autonomous vehicles transport materials, and augmented reality goggles give employees access to real-time data and troubleshooting instructions.
At J&J, we’re using technology, AI and real-time data to make our supply chains smarter. Our teams use digital and AI-powered solutions use every day, and they demand a new generation of leaders who are adaptable, innovative, digitally-savvy and ethically conscious.
Building tomorrow’s leaders
Today's manufacturing jobs offer incredible variety, requiring diverse minds and talents from the next generation to drive innovation and confront complex challenges. Manufacturers need skilled employees with advanced degrees and a hunger to upskill in AI. We also need support from global governments to sponsor training programs and increase access to STEM education as early as possible to ignite young passions.
At J&J, we are building the workforce of the future—and we want to make sure the teams around us today never stop growing. Recently, I participated in the launch of NJBioFutures, which aims to modernize curricula and training for the expanding cell and gene therapeutics sectors in J&J’s home state. Additionally, we enhance on-the-job training and digital capabilities for J&J employees to ensure our entire workforce grows their technical skills and business acumen. Each year, we host a Global Learning Day, focused on upskilling our workforce with future-ready capabilities through hands-on learning in areas like technology, automation and AI. This commitment to growth is especially evident in our manufacturing operations, where our facilities are high-tech hubs of speed, intelligence and sustainability, and our manufacturing teams are among the most technically skilled professionals at the company.
Expanding on our 140-year manufacturing heritage, J&J is investing $2 billion in a new biologics plant in Wilson, North Carolina, that will create over 500 specialized jobs focused on treatments for cancer and neurological diseases. We are also partnering with Wilson County Schools, the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), and local community organizations to strengthen STEM programming and build clear pathways from classrooms to meaningful careers in healthcare and manufacturing. My hope is that by the time the doors open, we have our pick from a wide pool of well-trained, digitally savvy employees who can drive peak efficiency, quality and sustainable operations for our newest plant.
Meeting manufacturing’s critical moment
This is a defining moment—and an exciting one. While many other job sectors are shrinking, an abundance of job openings remain in manufacturing because humans are still the most critical asset a business can have. Our input is crucial, whether it’s through machine maintenance or controlling operations. To encourage the next generation to enter the field of manufacturing, we simply need to unlock their unique human abilities—problem-solving, critical thinking and innovation—and give them the digital and technology skills required to make their mark.
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