Securing Tomorrow’s Sheet-Metal Skills – Together

The construction and sheet-metal industries are crying out for skilled workers. Schools, companies, and industry organizations must work together so that more young people choose the trade – and so they can become productive on the shop floor faster. CIDAN contributes with modern, connected machines and training-friendly workflows that shorten learning time and make the job more enjoyable.

A Skills Shortage Calls for Action

Demand for skilled operators and technicians is rising, but far too few study or move into sheet metal and construction. To reverse the trend, we need early engagement with students, relevant work-experience and apprenticeship placements, and training environments that reflect today’s technology.

School + Industry in Partnership

When schools and companies collaborate – through work experience, site visits, guest lectures, and joint projects – young people gain a clear picture of the trade and the path into it. At the same time, training programs receive input on which machines, processes, and safety routines are required in real-world production.

Technology That Attracts the Next Generation

Updated machine parks and digital control systems lower the threshold for new operators. Intuitive 3D interfaces, real-time simulation, and “Always Connected” features make it easier to learn quickly and produce quality from day one.

*A CIDAN operator programs their sheet-metal profile in the smart nuLINK™ control system.*

CIDAN’s Contribution in Practice

Fast onboarding with nuLINK™ on the F, FX, and FS series: touch-first, smart profile editing, and real-time simulation for shorter training and fewer errors.
Uptime & remote support: connected machines enable proactive service, remote diagnostics, and automatic backups – more real learning time in production.
The entire material flow in the classroom with FORSTNER CoilFarm, MultiCoilLine, and nuSLIT – from coil to finished part with repeatable quality.
Long profiles done right with Thalmann long folders – for roofing and facades with millimeter precision.
Portable innovation with ONROLL™ – bring the technology directly to project sites and let more people experience it, safely and efficiently.

Summary/Analysis

Building the skills pipeline is a team effort. The keys are: 1) closer collaboration between schools and companies, 2) training environments equipped with modern, connected machinery, and 3) clear pathways from education to employment. CIDAN’s machines – F/FX/FS with nuLINK™, FORSTNER material-flow solutions, Thalmann long folders, and ONROLL™ – are built to shorten the learning curve, increase uptime, and make the trade more attractive for the next generation. Together with schools, industry organizations, and our customers, we can turn today’s skills shortage into a skills boost for sheet-metal work across Sweden.