Doug162: How can I make a follower use his skills?
In particular, the first follower you encounter after the incident, looks like he can make healing potions, but I dont know how to make them
If it's magic (like healing), the follower will use it at their own discretion... but since the AI isn't that good, they very often waste it or put themselves in a worse spot.
If it's a learned tech schematic, you hand the follower the components, click on them or their icon to start a conversation, and start with "I'd like you to do something for me."
Virgil (your initial follower) knows magic healing and will eventually learn the Heal skill (which involves you supplying him with purchased bandages) but does not know any tech skill trees. Specifically, the only follower* who can make healing salves resides in a town called Dernholm, and will only join you if your TA (technological aptitude) is positive — meaning that you've decided to forsake magic and go tech.
Keep in mind that the more tech-oriented you become, the more often spells will fail on you. Even helpful spells such as healing and buffs. Unfortunately, the AI is too stupid to account for this, so Virgil can quite often fatigue himself into unconsciousness while trying to keep you alive.
*Other than a late-game possibility who learns the first (and only the first) skill of every college. But by the time you can recruit him, you'll almost certainly be way beyond the need for simple salves.
