Bridging The Knowledge Gap In Field Service

By Andrew Mort, TechSee

Today’s number one challenge in field service is the knowledge gap between Baby Boomer technicians – an aging workforce – and the next generation of technicians who have less experience and want more independence. 

An Ageing Workforce

The population aged 60+ is growing faster than any other group. According to the United Nations’ 2019 World Population report, by 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over the age of 65, up from 1 in 11 in 2019. Older field service technicians are retiring in droves, causing several challenges for field service organizations. In fact, Field Service News reports that 73% of organizations have identified an aging workforce as a potential threat to their field service operations.

Shortage of skilled workers

The Manpower Group surveyed approximately 40,000 employers about talent shortages and found that 45% of employers have difficulties with recruitment, the highest percentage since 2007. For the sixth year in a row, skilled trade positions such as electricians, mechanics, welders, engineers, technicians and drivers were the hardest roles to fill.