Adapting to Industry Change

Chetana Karla Shakti
Jun 25
2 min read

Adapting to Industry Change

Topic: How Technology Is Transforming Engineering

Warm-Up Questions

Use these to activate ideas before reading or speaking.

How has your job changed in the last five years?
Do you think your industry is changing too quickly or too slowly?
What kinds of new technology are being introduced in your field?
How do you stay updated with changes in your profession?

Key Vocabulary

Term	Meaning	Example
disruptive technology	innovation that significantly changes an industry	AI is a disruptive technology in engineering and manufacturing.
adaptability	ability to adjust to change	Engineers need strong adaptability to keep up with automation.
lifelong learning	the habit of constantly gaining new knowledge or skills	Lifelong learning is essential in technical careers.
legacy systems	old software or technology still in use	We’re slowly phasing out our legacy systems to improve efficiency.
scalability	ability of a system to grow or be expanded	Cloud-based tools offer much better scalability for teams.
upskilling	learning new skills to stay competitive	Our company offers online courses to help staff with upskilling.

Reading/Listening Topic:

"Adapting to Change in the Engineering World"Read aloud or listen (recording option later).

In today's fast-paced economy, engineers must do more than just design and build. They must constantly learn, adapt, and problem-solve. Disruptive technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping the engineering landscape. Companies are investing in automation and smart systems to stay competitive. This means professionals must develop digital literacy, communication skills, and even leadership abilities to thrive. Adaptability is no longer optional — it's a core skill. As industries evolve, engineers who are committed to lifelong learning and flexible thinking will have a clear advantage.

Speaking Practice – Guided Prompts

Try answering these aloud, using new vocabulary where possible:

Can you think of a recent technological change in your workplace?
How do you keep your skills up to date as an engineer?
What’s an example of a legacy system you’ve worked with?
How do you personally adapt to new tools or changes in project workflows?

Useful Phrases for Fluency

“In my field, we’ve seen major changes in…”
“One trend I’ve noticed is…”
“I’ve had to upskill in areas like…”
“We are moving away from older systems like…”
“To stay relevant, I believe it’s important to…”

Discussion Questions

Use these in class, a study group, or for writing practice:

Do you think engineers should focus more on technical skills or soft skills in the future? Why?
What are the biggest challenges in adopting new technology at work?
How can companies support employees during major changes?
What does the future of your industry look like in the next 5–10 years?