Understanding the Middle-Skill Workforce in the Connected and Automated Vehicle Sector

This research report explores the workforce supporting CAVs in Southeast Michigan, specifically looking at the development and evolution of middle-skill jobs. While most reports on the CAV sector workforce focus primarily on highly-skilled engineer and design jobs,7 there is a growing need to understand middle-skill jobs, such as technicians. Technicians in the CAV sector have evolving duties which are rooted in technician responsibilities and are expanding into software, data systems, cyber-security, and systems-level duties, as this report will further explore. Through this qualitative study, the team completed 63 interviews with managers in engineering and/or human resources (HR) departments. The findings highlight three tiers of skillset. The base skillsets of mechanical, electrical and electronic knowledge– or combined mechatronics – form the critical foundation for the CAV technician workforce. However, the proportion of these skills demanded is shrinking in comparison to the growing demand for emerging and advanced skills. Emerging skills in software and data-related systems are continuing to expand as more components on the vehicle are connected and linked together and to infrastructure. Advanced skills in systems and cybersecurity will also need to grow alongside the expanding complexity and connectivity of the vehicle. Woven through all these technical skills is also the binding nature of soft skills like problem solving and communication. Successfully training and equipping middle-skill workers in the CAV sector is a critical part of its continued growth and development. Technicians offer unique perspectives and experiences in testing and can help streamline advancements when appropriately equipped and trained. The success of this sector will depend not only on the engineering designers and innovators, but also the technicians who assist in bringing an idea from design into reality through prototyping, testing, troubleshooting and maintaining new products