A Study on the Impact of Smart Factory Training on Job Competency Enhancement

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the contribution of an employee training program, conducted as part of the government-led initiative for fostering skilled personnel in industrial complex smart factories, to the enhancement of job competencies and career development of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the study seeks to explore practical measures for SMEs to establish career development roadmaps for their employees and effectively utilize these programs in job transitions and workforce redeployment. Such research is expected to contribute to improving industrial competitiveness and generating positive ripple effects, such as attracting more young talent to the manufacturing sector.Research design, data, and methodology: The employee training program of the Smart Factory Skilled Workforce Development Project analyzed in this study was divided into two phases: the operation and design phase and the implementation and consulting phase. A total of 41 participants joined the operation and design phase, while 65 participants took part in the implementation and consulting phase. The participants were engaged in diverse roles, including management, production, quality control, consulting, planning, and marketing, demonstrating that smart factory technology can be applied across a wide range of occupational fields.Results: This study analyzed the impact of a smart factory training program for developing specialized personnel on enhancing employees' job competencies, providing practical solutions to support the adoption and activation of smart factories in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings revealed that program participants experienced an overall improvement in job competencies compared to before the training, contributing to increased technical proficiency and adapt-ability essential for implementing smart factories. Notably, the program played a significant role in addressing SMEs' challenges with declining competitiveness by enhancing employees' understanding of job transitions and new technologies.Conclusions: The adoption of smart factory technologies suggests that it goes beyond mere technological innovation, integrating across various organizational roles to contribute to improved productivity and enhanced competitiveness within companies.