Enabling Sustainable Manufacturing Through Engineering Workforce Development
A Conversation with Iana Aranda
I was delighted to be able to ‘stand in’ as the host for this episode because a lot of the topics discussed resonate strongly with my experiences in the additive manufacturing industry. As the Managing Director of Sustainability at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and President of Engineering for Change, Iana was the perfect person to talk to about some of these key themes, specifically the role of engineering workforce development in enabling sustainable manufacturing. Her work focuses on equipping engineers with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to drive sustainability at scale, a mission that resonates deeply with the evolving landscape of manufacturing.
ASME’s Legacy and Its Role in Sustainability
ASME was formed in 1880 in response to industrial safety challenges, particularly concerning boiler explosions at the time. The organization's foundational goal was to create engineering standards that ensure public safety. Over time, ASME expanded its focus, and today it plays a crucial role across global engineering. Iana highlighted that sustainability has been a major thrust for ASME for over a decade, with the organization developing programs aimed at reducing waste, improving social and environmental impact, and preparing engineers to tackle climate challenges.
One of the most compelling insights from our discussion was the importance of workforce development in achieving sustainability goals. As Iana explained, environmental impacts are often locked in at the engineering design stage, meaning that equipping engineers with sustainability knowledge early in their careers is critical. However, she pointed out that traditional engineering education does not universally provide this training, creating a significant skills gap in the industry.
Addressing the Talent Shortage
Workforce readiness is also a major challenge. As industries embrace Industry 4.0 technologies, such as digital twins, AI, and advanced simulation, manufacturers must integrate sustainability into these innovations. Yet, without a properly trained workforce, these technologies will struggle to deliver their full potential. Iana referenced ASME’s research, which suggests that many engineers and machinists will require upskilling to meet the demands of the evolving manufacturing landscape. The numbers are stark: for every engineer available in 2025, there will be three open positions. This shortage underscores the urgency of investing in training and education programs that equip engineers with both technical and sustainability-focused skills.
Navigating Evolving Regulations
Another significant challenge we discussed is the evolving regulatory landscape. With mandatory climate disclosures increasing worldwide, manufacturers need to align their sustainability strategies with compliance requirements while maintaining profitability. Workforce development plays a crucial role here as well; engineers with sustainability expertise will be better positioned to navigate these regulations and implement solutions that align business objectives with environmental responsibility.
The conversation naturally turned to the role of industry collaboration in workforce development. Iana emphasized the need for strong partnerships between academia, industry, and government to reduce the 'time to talent' gap. She advocated for integrating sustainability training into engineering curricula and for companies to invest in continuous learning opportunities for their workforce. ASME, through initiatives like Engineering for Change, has been working to bridge this gap by providing engineers with resources to apply their skills to sustainable development projects globally.
Moving Beyond the Myth of the ‘Sustainability Unicorn’
One particularly interesting point she raised was the concept of 'sustainability unicorns'—engineers who possess deep technical expertise alongside extensive sustainability training. While these individuals are highly sought after, they are rare. Instead of searching for these elusive candidates, companies should focus on identifying transferable skills and upskilling their existing workforce to meet sustainability challenges. This approach, she argued, is a more scalable and realistic way to embed sustainability into manufacturing at a systemic level.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Iana outlined some actionable steps needed to prepare engineers for sustainable manufacturing. She called for greater investment in technical training, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and a shift in mindset towards continuous education. Ultimately, she made it clear that sustainability is not just about compliance or public perception—it’s a fundamental business imperative that will define the future of manufacturing.
Looking Ahead to the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo
I’ll be heading to the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo in Anaheim next month, where Iana and I will both be speaking. If our conversation here is any indication, the event promises to be an exciting platform for exploring the intersection of workforce development and sustainability in manufacturing. I’m looking forward to continuing this discussion in person and learning from the other industry leaders who will be in attendance.
Agents of Change will continue to feature conversations about the future of sustainable manufacturing.
You can watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
