The age-old adage of “knowledge is power” has evolved into “knowledge is digital.” In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, there’s a gap widening between experienced craftsmen, who have honed their skills over decades, and the tech-savvy newcomers who expect instant access to information. This so-called “skills gap” is far from new, but what sets it apart today is the urgency to preserve legacy knowledge and infuse it into next-gen technologies. This latest trend is ensuring that the knowledge of experienced workers is digitized.

But more than just preserving knowledge, it’s about fostering a synergy between the old and new. This demands a shift in how we view education, training, and technology. Derek Degeest, president of LestaUSA and DeGeest Steel Works, is a frontliner in leveraging technology to bridge this gap. He offered some background into this evolving dynamic for a “LestaUSA” episode.

Written by Alexandra Simon.