Siemens steps up industrial network training to plug skills gap
6 Apr 2021
Siemens has boosted its professional training offering in industrial networks to combat the skills shortage among manufacturers seeking to modernise networks for 5G.
Powerful, reliable and secure industrial networks are a cornerstone of industrial digitalisation and essential in bringing together machines, processes, people and data.
A number of manufacturers are investing in ensuring their networks are upgraded and secure, whether it is WiFi, LAN or enterprise. However, the industry is experiencing a skills and knowledge shortage needed to plan, implement and maintain these networks.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) there is a severe skills shortage in the UK.
It quoted on its website that almost two-thirds of employers (64%) who have vacancies report that some are proving hard to fill. Almost four in ten (38%) employers report being unable to fill a permanent vacancy in 2018, with roles in healthcare, engineering, teaching, and IT being the most prevalent.
Siemens is offering multiple-level courses, that include Initial Trainings in Industrial Network (ITIN); Certified Professional in Industrial Networks (CPIN); and the advanced Siemens Certified Expert for Industrial Networks (Siemens CEIN) in the UK.
Designed to teach beginners the fundamentals of industrial communication networks, ITIN courses have proven popular with younger job seekers. The classroom styled training includes Ethernet Fundamentals in Industrial Networks and provides a complete overview of network technologies and mechanisms that form the foundation for digital communication.
CPIN courses offer practical work with industrial networks knowledge. The candidate will learn basic skills for planning, implementing, and securing simple industrial networks. In addition, training will teach how to connect industrial networks to a corporate network.
The more advanced Siemens Certified Expert for Industrial Networks (Siemens CEIN) course is an industry-recognised certification valid for three years. It trains candidates to secure, diagnose, and optimise communication networks.
Business manager, industrial communications Ian Poulett, said: “The future of industry lies in digitalisation. To achieve this, it is crucial for manufacturers to invest in powerful industrial networks. Equally important to run these infrastructures is the knowledge of how to plan and implement these networks and connect them to a corporate network.”
“Training helps our solution partners, system integrators and companies to build in-house competencies to manage and modernise their own networks – reducing the need for consultancy. By having an accredited network professional, it increases the chances of a successful project because they understand the planning process.”
