Erez College has a unique dialogue with hundreds of factories across the manufacturing industry. This network of relationships gives us an outstanding expertise in analysis of knowledge and skills gaps among factory workers and enables us to provide innovative customized training solutions. Instead of asking ‘’What new employees does your factory need?’’ we have learned to ask ‘’What new knowledge do your existing employees need?’’ It represents our profound understanding of the industry’s pains and challenges, and the new paradigm shift that is dictating Erez College’s vision and activities today.
Industry 4.0: Introducing the human-centric approach
For decades, Israel’s manufacturing industry was a main driver of Israeli economic growth. Today, still a main economic lifeline, it is plagued by a poor image, low productivity, and aggressive global competitors. Fortunately, the current quantum leap in technology has spurred a transition to smart manufacturing, known as Industry 4.0.
Industry 4.0 is justifiably identified with new technologies, which makes sense when considering the causes of this revolution. However, in relation to the conditions for its progression, and its ramifications, the transition to advanced manufacturing must put people at the center. Yet, factories and regional initiatives tend to focus on the technological dimensions of this process, while the important aspect of preparing skilled human capital for this transition is overlooked.
Erez College is gradually introducing the human-centric approach, which encourages workers to seize the opportunity for career mobility and development, and helps managers understand that the human and technological components of 4.0 are interconnected. In addition, we are working to make the government see 4.0 as Altneuland, i.e., not only a leap in technology but a springboard to a new vision for traditional industry.
A growing demand for knowledge and skills
Industry 4.0 compels factories to upgrade the skills of their employees; therefore, the demand for vocational education is on the rise. Erez College provides customized, on-demand vocational training solutions and makes them accessible and relevant to all industry workers. Our inter-factory and intra-factory training models reflect a meticulous identification of needs and precise target audiences. Our vocational training significantly increases employee satisfaction, job security and career horizons.
End to end vocational training solutions
The full end-to-end process starts with outreach to the factory and a visit to the production floor. After learning the unique challenges, and identifying worker’s skills and knowledge gaps, we outline the solution, ensure management buy in, and build the training modules. In the last phase, we determine schedules and bring the workers to the classroom.
Erez offers a continuous selection of courses all year round, including during the summer months. At present, we implement more than 100 courses a year attended by over 1,200 students. Following a steady increase in training activities in response to growing demand, our goal is to train at least 3,000 students a year.