Unfortunately, the more automation, fewer and more skilled workers are needed. That's always been the case and will only continue to happen. People will be able to specialize and diversify more.
You mean these workers need to be trained to handle machines? Perhaps thats going to be a huge challenge for the middle-age workers, who would have lived all their lives doing the craft work. Survival of the fittest!
What alternative do you propose that doesn't either impose nonsensical costs on businesses or persist dangerous, backbreaking, and unnecessary practices for workers?