Human Skills Amplified by Automation and AI - J. Craig McAtee, CEO & Executive Director of NCATC

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What if the future of work isn’t about replacing people, but amplifying their potential? 

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with J. Craig McAtee, CEO and Executive Director of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC).

Craig, a national thought leader in technical education, discusses why amplifying human skills is the future of workforce development and why industry-education partnerships are more critical than ever. Broadcasting from NCATC's annual conference, they explore how today's tech leaders are investing in the skills of tomorrow’s workforce.

Will AI narrow the skills gap or make it wider?

And, in an era of rapid innovation, can education keep up?

In this episode...

• How AI and automation are amplifying—not replacing—human skills in advanced manufacturing
• Craig’s bold philosophy: “If it ain’t broke, break it”—and how it’s reshaping education
• Why the BILT model is a better alternative to advisory boards to create true industry-education partnerships
• The 7-2-1 ratio that proves why technicians are so important

Quotable Moments:

"If it ain’t broke, break it. Continuous improvement is essential, and in this fast-paced world, we can’t afford to stay still.”

“We’re amplifying human skills with AI and automation, not replacing them. These tools are here to make us smarter, more efficient, and ready for future challenges.”

"For every PhD in R&D, we need two engineers and seven technicians. That’s where the workforce needs are, and that’s where technical education has to focus."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. AI is here to amplify human skills, not replace them. Craig emphasizes that AI and automation serve as tools to enhance what humans can accomplish in the workplace, not to replace their roles. This approach allows technicians and engineers to operate at a higher level, adapting alongside emerging technologies rather than competing against them.
2. Strong industry-education partnerships are essential for closing the talent gap. Craig argues that educators must view industry as their primary customer, aligning curricula with the real-world skills employers need. This approach shifts the traditional model to a collaborative partnership that ensures students are job-ready for the high-demand fields of AI and automation.
3. Continuous improvement is the only way forward in technical education. Adopting his “if it ain’t broke, break it” philosophy, Craig pushes educators and industry leaders alike to embrace change and constantly seek better ways to prepare the workforce. In a world where technology evolves rapidly, those who fail to innovate risk being left behind.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), visit: ncatc.org

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