As the world heads into the fourth industrial revolution, we are still struggling with skills gaps and workforce shortages in the metrology industry. These skills are critical not only to manufacturers and scientists, but to virtually all growth sectors around the world. Taking a fresh look at how to solve these pressing challenges is paramount to enabling innovation, fulfilling workforce needs, and sustaining a vibrant manufacturing community in our respective countries.

As a member of the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS), I have long been involved in the organization’s education and certification initiatives, including the Education and Measurement Zones at our annual conference, the CMSC. I have also served as a group leader for training at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom. My work has given me insights into the efforts and programs required to not only inspire a whole new generation of metrologists, but what it will take to deliver talented and skilled professionals to industry.

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