Reskilling Today's Industrial Workforce

Process automation is everywhere – powering the essential industries we rely on every day, from energy and metals to water and beyond.   In this episode, we explore the critical role of automation, and ask the question: “As demands for energy and materials grow, how does automation keep the world’s most essential industries running – safely, efficiently and without interruption?”  In this episode, host Fran Scott is joined by:  Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB  Nico Duursema, CEO of Cerilon   Sam Eklöf, Automation Engineer at Käppälaförbundet  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, we revisit the future of metals through the lens of experience. Frederik Esterhuizen, Business Line Manager at ABB, reflects on his 30-year journey in the metals sector: from the biggest shifts he’s witnessed in the industry to what 'future-proofing' really means today. He also shares his advice for the next generation entering the metals world. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metals enable progress. They are essential to everything that shapes our daily lives, from infrastructure and transport to high technology. But with demand rising, how can the industry adapt to meet these needs in a responsible way? What steps will help to future-proof the sector? And why are automation, electrification and digitalization vital for the future of the metals industry?   In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by: - Helena Malmqvist, Research Manager at Jernkontoret - Frederik Esterhuizen, Metals Business Line Manager at ABB Process Industries - Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of industrial automation begins with the Industrial Revolution, when machines first replaced human muscle, and extends to today’s advanced systems that operate some of the most complex industrial infrastructures on the planet.   In today’s bonus episode, we explore that evolution through the eyes of the control room operator – tracing their journey from hands-on manual control to high-level system optimization.   Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB, joins host Fran Scott on the podcast today to delve into automation’s engineering and innovating milestones.   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The industrial workplace is evolving rapidly with increasing automation and digitalization of operations. How can organizations ensure that their existing workforce is not left behind?  Why is it crucial for companies to upskill their existing workforce? How does empowering current employees with new skills benefit the next generation workforce?  Join podcast host Fran Scott, and April Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Process Industries, to delve deeper into the subject of upskilling the existing workforce as the world is changing. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology plays a key role in accelerating the energy transition. Yet, the true driving force is people: without human courage, curiosity, and care, innovations would remain idle theory. Across industry sectors, people aren’t just adapting to change – they are leading it, pushing boundaries to create a better future. So, how can industry attract, develop, and retain the next generation of engineers and innovators to accelerate the future of the energy transition? And how can they balance this with the need to upskill and support current employees as they adapt to the demands of the digital age? To find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: Margareta Drzeniek, Managing Partner at HORIZON GroupApril Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Process IndustriesKim Sunna, Production Manager at LKAB Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can CSS really help to combat the emissions from the hard-to-abate industries? What will the adoption of CCS in industry look like? How will policy play into the landscape of CCS development? What are the key aspects of the future of CCS and the role of the next generation in driving the energy transition?  Join podcast host Fran Scott, and Dr Colin Hale from Imperial College London  to debunk some of the lies and discuss the truths about Carbon capture and storage (CCS).    Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. Get in touch if there’s a topic you want The Process Automation Podcast to explore in the next season. Or maybe you want to join us as an expert? Let us know by filling in the form here: The Process Automation Podcast — ABB GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has an important role to play in the energy transition – especially in helping decarbonize traditional energy and industrial infrastructure.  CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and then transporting these, either by ship or pipeline, to be stored underground. But how can this technology help address industrial emissions at scale? And can innovations such as digital twins help advance the CCS technology?   To find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: - Dr Colin Hale, Senior Teaching Fellow in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London  - Nigel Greatorex, Global Industry Business Manager of CCS at ABB Energy Industries - Anjani Kumar, Vice President of CoFlow and Professional Services at CMG  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.  Get in touch here if there’s a topic you want The Process Automation Podcast to explore in our next season. Or perhaps you want to join us as an expert? Get in touch!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can remote operations reduce the need to be in hazardous environments and help improve workforce diversity? Do remote operations also contribute to reducing negative environmental impacts? And does this mean that in the future, human involvement on-site will decrease?  Join podcast host Fran Scott, and Sanjit Shewale, Global Head of Digital at ABB Process Industries, to debunk some of the lies and discuss the truths about remote industrial operations.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many industrial facilities like mines, wind farms or marine vessels are often located in remote areas. Operating far from other infrastructure has its challenges, such as dealing with harsh weather conditions and ensuring that a qualified workforce is available at the right spot and time.  Remote, however, doesn’t always mean far away: crane operators at container terminals can work from a control room rather than high up in a crane, and in mines, blasting can be managed from a safe distance.   How can automation and digital technologies help address challenges in industrial sites that are hard to reach? And how can technology enhance safety and even open up opportunities for a more diverse workforce?   To find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: Mårten Sjöström, Professor of Signal Processing at Mid Sweden University  Sanjit Shewale, Global Head of Digital at ABB Process Industries  Johannes Sikström, Section Manager Process Control and Analysis at Boliden  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.