Purdue Global’s development of applied manufacturing program key to equipping, training manufacturing employees

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Art Sedighi is well aware of the need for more skilled workers in applied manufacturing settings.

He’s excited to be part of the solution by equipping workers with new educational tools and resources to prepare them for the present and future of manufacturing — Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0.

“We are experiencing an evolution, a revolution, and the integration of physical and virtual worlds through AI, information technology and systems,” Sedighi said. “We are witnessing a convergence of the physical manufacturing world and the ways in which IT is helping with that, which will have a significant impact on manufacturing.”

Sedighi, a faculty member in Purdue Global’s School of Business and Information Technology, is leading the way in developing programs for adults employed in the manufacturing field.

Sedighi’s background is industrial engineering, software development, cybersecurity and computer science, all of which he uses in his role at Purdue Global. As an entrepreneur, he started a specialized computing company. 

The new Purdue Global programs are designed to prepare working adults for the changes that will happen over the next 30 years, especially with the increase of on-demand manufacturing. Enrolled students can learn how to:

• Explore system components and design, safety, maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.
• Investigate industrial electronics, from the basics of electricity to the intricacies of power systems and motor controls.
• Determine the significance of automation and the fundamentals of programmable logic controls and computer numerical control in modern industrial manufacturing.

“You should never stop upskilling. No matter what skill level you have, education should be something you continue to pursue,” he said. “There’s always an avenue for you to grow.”

Purdue Global’s new applied manufacturing program is designed for:

• Long-term employees: They have been in manufacturing for years but need programs that help them upskill with new technology that will drive processes. 
• Medium-term employees: They will study applications of industrial engineering, looking at the supply chain holistically and adapting underlying technology and concepts with system updates.
• New/recent hires: Newer employees will explore foundations, practical applications and the latest technologies including AI, machine learning, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) that can help them throughout their career. 

Sedighi said while companies that specialize in books and car components are already embracing real-time manufacturing, other industries could leverage materials, machines and 3D printing to embrace concepts of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 and bring those concepts closer to reality. 

“We need to rethink manufacturing,” he said. “Manufacturing will no longer be companies building products, maintaining a large inventory and selling the product. Instead, it will focus on how quickly a company can produce an item and get it delivered.”

Companies are introducing AI and machine learning with IoT and sensor technology everywhere within the manufacturing process.

“If we combine those two areas, we can achieve real-time information flow from the manufacturing floor to the supply chain and ultimately to the user. That’s the next trend in manufacturing,” he said. “If we start integrating some of that knowledge into real-time manufacturing, I believe it would be a valuable skill for the next generation of manufacturers, engineers and more.”

Employees in the manufacturing field are working through those advancements.

“Working adult learners understand what they need to be successful and advance to the next level. We have the knowledge to teach them from a theoretical and practical, technological perspective,” he said. “Adult learners know what they want. When you ask for feedback, they will provide it. This feedback is valuable because they share insights from their workplaces.”

Purdue Global’s soon-to-be released microcredential is a win-win for both groups, as employers are looking to employees to help grow the business. For example, the microcredential can be a great starting point for workers who are exploring additional skills and courses for advancement.

“Employers and companies want employees to be happy. If they are investing time and resources into their people, they want to make sure that employees stay with them for a long time,” Sedighi said. “Employees want an opportunity to grow; learn new things, new skillsets; and improve their lives.”

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.