Supporting Digital Initiatives: The benefits of digital thread programs in manufacturing

Submitted By Corey Chick, Sinclair Workforce Development Division on Wednesday, 10/15/2025

Sinclair College’s National UAS Training and Certification Center, through SMART Manufacturing contracts funded by AFRL and managed by ARCTOS, has been an integral component in the development of statewide digital thread-based curricula and programs. These initiatives, spurred by a statewide need for manufacturing jobs within the growing technological fields of aviation, advanced air mobility, and UAS, provide innovative training and credential opportunities for the current and incumbent workforce.  The development of the digital engineering course catalog introduces the conceptual aspects of digital threads within manufacturing, as well as offers participants invaluable skill sets and knowledge that will enable them to grow with technological advances.

What does the curriculum cover, and why is it beneficial?

The curriculum offers five introductory courses designed to pipeline into existing STEM-based programs at Sinclair, as well as to serve as a short-term certificate program for participants. These courses were also designed to be condensed into 2-hour, 4-hour, and 8-hour workshops, as time is often something employers and employees find in short supply.

• Introduction to Digital Thread Technology: For those unfamiliar with digital thread concepts and technologies, this course introduces digital thread applications and career opportunities.

• Digital Thread Enabled Manufacturing: To help navigate the digital-based manufacturing processes, this course provides an overview of how digital thread technologies and tools can be applied to various manufacturing scenarios.

• Digital Thread Data Management: There are copious amounts of data produced during a product’s lifecycle. This course explores these data sources and acquisition methods, data storage, retrieval, and analysis solutions throughout the lifecycle of a manufactured product.

• Digital Thread Enhanced Logistics: This course provides an overview of management principles, technologies, and tools related to digital thread enhanced logistics.

• Digital Thread Cyber Security: Cybersecurity has become an increasingly prevalent topic. This course delves into digital thread-related cyber security threats and challenges, mitigation tools and techniques applicable throughout the lifecycle of a manufactured product.

To ensure all content was both relevant and applicable to current and projected workforce needs, each course was designed based on expert feedback and input from our internal and external partnerships with AFRL, regional and local employers.

STEM outreach, public and upcoming events

We engage with and host numerous STEM outreach events, including camps, community days, and career fairs that utilize our mobile, hands-on labs, such as our AR drone maintenance kit and tactical ground control station. These mobile units allow us to demonstrate and educate K through gray participants on the uses and applications of digital thread and engineering, as our goal is to support all training, highlighting the breadth of knowledge our curriculum offers. Additionally, through our events and workshops, we demonstrate the transferability of digital-based skills across various manufacturing and engineering fields, aiming to prepare participants for all employment opportunities brought about by these new digital technologies.

In June 2026, we will host the fifth annual Digital Transformation Summit. This event is focused on the intersection of Digital Transformation, Defense, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and the transformative potential of cross-sector collaboration in shaping our future. This summit presents a unique opportunity to connect with leaders, researchers, and innovators in government, industry and academia.

How to learn more about the curriculum and its respective programs?

To learn more about the curriculum and how our workshops can help digitally transform your manufacturing skill sets and knowledge, contact Dr. Alison Norton at Alison.Norton@sinclair.edu or Dr. Andrew Shepherd at Andrew.Shepherd@sinclair.edu.

Interested in submitting an article? Email info@daytonrma.org for more information.