Episode #470: AI That Learns From Humans: Rethinking Work for the Next Generation

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I, Stewart Alsop, talk with Sarah Boisvert, founder of New Collar AI, about the future of work in manufacturing, the rise of “new collar” jobs, and how technologies like 3D printing and AI are transforming skills training. We cover her experience with Fab Labs, creating a closed-loop AI tutor for workforce development, and the challenges of capturing implicit knowledge from retiring experts. Sarah also shares insights from her books The New Collar Workforce and People of the New Collar Workforce, which feature augmented reality to bring stories to life. You can connect with Sarah through LinkedIn.

Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation

Timestamps

00:00 Sarah introduces New Collar jobs and how digital skills are transforming blue collar roles, discussing FedEx robotics and augmented workers.
05:00 Stewart asks about 3D printing challenges; Sarah explains advances in printer automation and the ongoing difficulty of CAD design.
10:00 They discuss Generation Z as digital natives, instant gratification, and workforce engagement, highlighting Lean manufacturing principles.
15:00 Sarah reflects on how technology speeds life up, her experiences with management training, and the importance of communication on factory floors.
20:00 They explore text-to-CAD possibilities, Sarah’s closed-loop AI tutor for manufacturing, and the creation of a proprietary technical database.
25:00 Sarah describes the scale of open jobs in 3D printing, challenges of filling them, and shifting perceptions of manufacturing work.
30:00 Discussion of robotics safety, small business adoption barriers, and the need for human oversight in automation.
35:00 Sarah talks about capturing implicit knowledge from retiring experts, using LLMs for factory floor solutions, and military applications.
40:00 Knowledge management, boutique data sets, and AI’s role in preserving technical expertise are explored.
45:00 Sarah shares insights on product design, her AR-enabled book, and empowering workers through accessible technical training.

Key Insights

1. Sarah Boisvert introduces the concept of “new collar” jobs, emphasizing that modern manufacturing roles now require digital skills traditionally associated with white-collar work. She highlights how roles like CNC machinists and 3D printing operators blend hands-on work with advanced tech, making them both in-demand and engaging for a younger, tech-savvy workforce.
2. The conversation explores the rise of Fab Labs worldwide and their role in democratizing access to manufacturing tools. Boisvert shares her experience founding a Fab Lab in Santa Fe, enabling students and adults to gain practical, project-based experience in CAD design, 3D printing, and repair skills critical for today’s manufacturing environment.
3. Boisvert underscores the persistent skills gap in manufacturing, noting that 600,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs remain unfilled. She attributes part of this to outdated perceptions of manufacturing as “dirty and unsafe,” a narrative she’s actively working to change through her books and training programs that show how modern factories are highly technical and collaborative.
4. She reveals her team’s development of a closed-loop large language model for workforce training. Unlike ChatGPT, this system draws from a proprietary database of technical manuals and expert knowledge, offering precise, context-specific answers for students and workers without relying on the open internet.
5. The episode dives into generational differences in the workplace. Boisvert describes how Gen Z workers are motivated by purpose and efficiency, often asking “why” to understand the impact of their work. She sees Lean principles as a key to managing and empowering this generation to innovate and stay engaged.
6. On automation, Boisvert stresses that robots are not replacing humans in manufacturing but filling labor shortages. She notes that while robots improve efficiency, they require humans to program, monitor, and repair them—skills that new collar workers are being trained to master.
7. Finally, she shares her innovative approach to storytelling in her book People of the New Collar Workforce, which uses augmented reality to bring worker stories to life. Readers can scan photos to hear directly from individuals about their experiences transitioning into high-tech manufacturing careers.