KNOWLEDGE BASE 32 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk Modern smart helmets, for instance, are equipped with sensors to monitor worker safety and well-being in real time. This can alert workers to potential dangers when operating in hazardous conditions. These technologies also provide field engineers with data, schematics, maps and charts, leading to more efficient equipment inspections and repairs. Data shows that connected worker technology has saved 471 lives, and this figure is expected to rise by 2025. However, correct implementation is essential. Training remains the cornerstone of ensuring workers use devices properly, avoid risks such as snag hazards, and contribute effectively to safety data collection. How to bridge the digital skills gap According to data, 49% of top executives in the mining industry say automation and digitalisation are part of their longterm goals. However, achieving them will take some change. 73% of mining companies acknowledge that digital skills gaps are a main issue in implementing technology into their processes—but there are ways to improve digital skills gaps that are just as applicable to hydraulics and pneumatics environments: Partner with tech providers Partnering with tech and educational institutions could be a great way to offer targeted training programmes for your people. From data analysis to AI and automation, there are plenty of opportunities for workers to learn the ins and outs of tech tools and apply them to their day-to-day tasks. Peer learning and mentorship Mentorship programmes are an effective way of connecting experienced staff members with a new workforce. This way, you can ensure that the best knowledge within your business is being shared among new employees. This can also be a great opportunity for new employees to gain confidence in their roles. The digital skills gap isn’t solely caused by new technologies and a lack of understanding. If your company uses legacy systems or older versions of technology that new employees haven’t worked with yet, you will need to invest some time in training your new staff in this technology and how it works for your business. Every business uses its technology differently, so having an established team member contributing to the onboarding can help eliminate confidence and technical issues from the beginning. Recruitment Recruitment is another way of filling your skills gap. If your business is struggling with the digital side of things, you must be hiring people not only with experience in the mining industry but, importantly, with the right technical skills. By broadening your hiring criteria, you will be better able to find candidates that fit your digital needs. Opening your recruitment policies in this way, you might hire a candidate with the necessary digital skills who can adapt to the mining industry by guiding your established workforce through new processes and technologies. Conclusion The digital skills gap is impacting all industries, but its effects are particularly noticeable in those working with critical systems—whether in mining or fluid power. The challenges described here offer a valuable perspective for hydraulics and pneumatics professionals as they navigate their own digital transformation. Ensuring that your team has the skills to integrate modern digital tools with established mechanical systems is essential—not only for productivity and innovation, but for the safety of your equipment, data, and employees. Sources: https://www.shell.com/businesscustomers/lubricants-for-business/ perspectives/rob-tyson. html#:~:text=Digitalisation%20could%2 0widen%20the%20workforce,to%20adopt %2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Tyson https://www.weldingalloys.com/services/engineered-wearservices/application-methods/hardfacingapplications/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/67 6560/new-technology-adoption-in-theworld-miningindustry/#:~:text=Projected%20adoption %20of%20technologies%20in%20the%20 global%20mining%20industry%202025&t ext=This%20statistic%20shows%20the% 20projected,in%20the%20global%20mini ng%20industry. https://www.statista.com/statistics/67 6647/non-economic-impacts-of-newtechnology-adoption-in-the-mining-andmetals-industry/ https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/industrie s/mining/new-digital-agenda-for-miningcompanies.html https://miningdigital.com/articles/pwc -reports-a-tech-skills-shortage-in-themining-industry This article was contributed to by Welding Alloys. For further information please visit: https://www.weldingalloys.com
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