This is a very intriguing topic, and I have thought about it for the last few days while at work.
In regards to assuming older more experiencd workers are better then younger, more talented workers...I have seen guys with 35 years experience that could not machine their way out of a paper bag, and I honestly do not know how they remained employed...out of a sense of loyalty I guess on the employers part...unreal,lol..
With that out of the way, I will explain my current situation. I work at a custom injection molding co, in the toolroom. We are small, and have 3 guys in the toolroom...My boss, me and a machinist.
My boss is a 36 year vertran moldmaker,Old School guy here...not a ton of CNC or High tech experience, but knows whats out there, and knows how to exploit whats available(Thats why he hired me,lol) toolroom manager and generally a great guy...
Me, I'm alot younger, I'm 35 years old...he has 3 more years experience than I have been on this planet,lol. I have 20 years of High tech machining/toolmaking experience. More than 10 years CNC Exp(I came up the hard way,all manual)
Me and my boss are an unstoppabe team...I'm the high tech get **** done guy..he is the Ultra steer us clear of hidden dangers guy...we work together, bounce ideas off of each other to get things done right, on time, and make alot of $$$ doing it.
Im not threatened by him, and he isnt by me..we have the same type of background, but have diffrent skillz...We both bring what the other cant, and make a very good team.
I have been in the situations where old farts dont want to show you anything, but after some time, I can see why..most of them ARE easily replaced by a driven, highly motivated person..they are right to be scared for their jobs, cause they may be good, they may know alot, but the up and comer can easily surpass him, and he knows it...thats why they dont share and help out.