theandreasrothblog

Latest Posts by theandreasrothblog

Trends in Adult Education

Link: https://leadershipflagship.com/2024/07/28/navigating-change-how-adult-education-is-adapting-to-new-industry-needs/

It is no secret — we live in an ever-evolving world. In this article it outlines how adult education needs to adapt to the new realities driven by evolving technology and changing economic conditions. By embracing these changes, trends and demands from the modern work force, we can pave the way for a more skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce. 

Some of the points that stood out to me in this article, along with many other articles, is that the most significant trends in adult learning is the rise of online learning platforms. Offering online learning platforms offers more flexibility and accessibility that can be tailored to the individual learner, making education more relevant than ever. This is something that I can see impacting me in the coming years. Though, in my industry, hands on learning is still required when it comes to physical skills and shop experience, I could see a form of hybrid learning. Where lessons and theory courses could be online. There will be many ways to prepare for this depending on how the course would be set up. I could prerecord videos  to be watched at the learners pace, this offers immense flexibility. Another option would be in live meetings, where I would prepare a lesson and interact with the learner in real time.

Another Trend that I could relate to was Microlearing, a trend where content is delivered in small, manageable chunks.  This method accommodates busy adults, by allowing to process information in manageable chunks. Some statistics show that micro learning can increase knowledge retention by 25%-60% compared to longer formats. There is other statistics that suggests when micro learning is incorporated, learners have shown up to 130% increase in engagement and productivity compared to more traditional training and learning methods. This is also something that I would incorporate into my teaching style because I always want to find ways to be more engaged with the learner while being proficient. Combining Online video platforms with micro learning, giving the learner bite-sized information, in a more flexible and accessible way, I believe this could improve learning outcomes and satisfaction in both the instructor and the learner. Many are facing struggles with trying to balance education and personal responsibilities. I think a hybrid method combing online and in-person learning provides flexibility while not giving up the benefits of face to face instructions. This will help to ensure our learners have the skills and the knowledge to thrive in our face paced, ever-evolving world. 

Collision Repair Trend: AI and Robotics really ?

Believe it or not we are have reached the age were Man and Machine are working side by side. Do you think I am being to dramatic ? Is this actually happening ? Let’s take a look at what’s trending in the Collision repair Industry.

It is not new technology it’s been a solid decade that we have seen Ai in the works, now even part of our day to day tasks, but can it be taken serious, can someone professionally employ and rely on AI? This is a question we face today, the short answer is Yes.

AI has reached a point where it can not only be prompt to gather information quickly and accurately but also can categorize and summarize, making Ai a serious Prduction Tool to improve the efficiency of many tasks and applications. One of those areas were AI shines the brightest is DAMAGE ANALYSIS in Collision repair.

It’s as simple as taking pictures with your Phone, Ai is gathering the necessary information to Identify the Vehicle to the last detail such as Make, Model, Production date, trim level and even Paint code and matching suggestions and then accurately creates a substantial repair estimate. What once not that long ago took 2-3 hrs can now be done in a matter of 15-30 minutes. But is that something we want ? Will this type of technology not rob jobs? Not the least, it will change the way the Job is done but not eliminate the need for a professional qualified and certified individual that will operate and verify the accuracy and completeness of those damage reports and suggestions and verify those against Vehicle maker’s recommendations and repair procedures.

Ai will Battle both areas of inefficiency and current Staff shortages in our Industry, allowing to reduce Vehicle repair Wait times and delays that are currently extending way beyond were they should be. Repairs that should be done in a mater of days take weeks, jobs that should be done in a matter of weeks take months. AI will help Correct that.

The Biggest Challenge with any new Technologies is the transition and Training Phase. Though the technology will make many tasks easier and more efficient it is a new tool that will need be learned and skilled that need to be developed. If misused can cause loss and major delays in the repair and potential the need to override and rewrite of already Written damage reports that have been left incomplete or not properly verified.

The other major but maybe less so intrusive Technologies at this point is the Robotic capabilities that Tool manufacturers are able to offer. These Robots or robotic attachments can sand, weld and even paint allowing tasks to be done not only faster and easier but also in a much safer manner as it can reduce or even eliminate the exposure of technicians to harmful materials and working practices. The collision repair Industry is currently one of the Highest in Work related Injuries and chronic illnesses due to the over exposure to harmful materials and dangerous Work practices. This is not because it us unavoidable, most if not al of those exposures are unnecessary and preventable, however due to the lack of proper personal protection due to inconvenience and comfortability, many Technicians expose themselves to Harmful materials and practices. Robots and robotic Equipment can change that, not replacing the technician completely but rather changing the Role of the Technician to an operator and inspector of the Equipment. The tasks will change from for example sanding with a sander in hand to position the part that needs to be sanded in the Robots vicinity that could be even an enclosed chamber to contain all dusts and sounds, reducing the exposure of the technician to those elements and even removing the wear and tear on the technicians Body that would applied by the vibration of the tool. Similar to that can a part or a panel that needs to be welded be positioned and set up with a robot that now would weld the necessary type of weld, perfect every time. All parameters would now be controlled and set up by the technician and all work performed would need to be verified and or tested by that same qualified and certified technician.

Similar then with AI, Robotics are here and available today, but there is an additional Transition factor besides training and leaning of new skills, and that is the Cost that is involved with Robots. The Cost of those Equipments have become much more realistic over the past few years but are still a huge hurdle to overcome for most Body shops.

in the very near future, we will enjoy these technologies and will look at the way we have done our tasks even a couple years ago as arcaic and ineffective. Thus we can clearly see the evolvement and development of what we once thought of as science fiction now to be our reality.

What is it I DO ?

For the last decade+ I have been working on the craft of becoming a Collision Repair Technician, it’s a RED SEAL trade in CANADA. What I absolutely love about this trade that a Craftsman proficient in this industry will learn a broad amount of skills , including Welding, advanced sheetmetal repair technologies, Mechanical, Glass, HVAC (AC system and Engine Cooling systems), Composite fabrication and repair, electrical and even electronics and software calibrations and setups.

One becomes a Jack of all trades so to speak.

Most recently I found the Opportunity to share my passions about this Trade in an Instructor role at the local trades School.

This is super exciting! As I found it also gave me the opportunity to become a better Tech, having to learn the reasons behind certain techniques and problem solving on a regular basis, the problems not of my own perspective but a collective of my learners and peers.

Assisting and Consulting Industry partners on their Challenges and the Challenges this ever evolving industry brings, has been extremely gratifying, being able to witness WINS big and small.

WHY DO I DO THIS ? 1. Serving brings Satisfaction: I find the biggest rewards in GIVING and Giving Back to those I have been fortunate to receive from.

2. Best way to Learn is to Teach: when looking at the PEDAGOGY PYRAMID the most effective and foundational piece of Learning is to teach others. This is a concept I instil even to the most initial students of mine. “Whatever you learn, teach someone else”

3.Bringing Value to the Market place: As a professional I gauge my effectiveness by the Value I can bring to the Marketplace. the Question I always ask myself is: What Impact do I bring!

So Why add this Blog? This Blog is a new way for me to share the things I am learning and discovering, testing my theories with peers in discussions and hoping to bring value to whoever comes across this. Even if its just the motivation to explore!

EVERYWHERE around you are doors of #opportunities waiting for you to open and see what is behind them! As I embark on a new journey of personal growth and professional development I invite you to tag along. Maybe you on a similar tour, or are just looking for inspiration to level up on your own climb of this Mountain we call Life. Whatever it is feel free to come by and leave a comment or ask me anything you want to know about what it is that I do. maybe just maybe you will find something useful, helpful or just simply learn something new.