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

Submitted By Corey Chick, Sinclair Workforce Development Division on Tuesday, 3/31/2026

Sinclair College’s National UAS Training and Certification Center, through SMART Manufacturing contracts funded by the Air Force Research Lab 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 (AAM), and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), provide innovative training and credential opportunities for the current and incumbent workforce.  The development of the digital engineering course catalog, which now includes a new one-year technical certificate in Digital Engineering for Aerospace and a new Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in Advanced Air Mobility Life Cycle Management, 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 digital thread 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. Current courses within this program include:

• Introduction to Digital Thread Technology

• Digital Thread Enabled Manufacturing

• Digital Thread Data Management

• Digital Thread Enhanced Logistics

• Digital Thread Cyber Security

The new certificate and degree programs expand upon these courses, by focusing on specific industries, such as aerospace and AAM. With the Digital Engineering certificate, students are introduced to the concept and importance of digital engineering for the aerospace industry. Each aspect of the certificate was designed to convey the benefits, challenges, tools, and best practices relevant to aerospace. These discussion points also helped shape the design of our new AAM life cycle management degree.

For those seeking to expand their knowledge of AAM, this degree introduces students to the full life cycle of AAM aircraft, from initial design and digital modeling through manufacturing, certification support, maintenance, sustainment, and eventual retirement and disposal. The curriculum emphasizes how emerging technologies are embedded throughout AAM through the inclusion of digital engineering practices, the digital thread, and digital twin tools, which are increasingly required by manufacturers, operators, and regulators to manage complex aircraft systems and data-driven life cycle decisions.

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.

Upcoming events

Sinclair is pleased to host the fifth annual Digital Transformation Summit, expected to attract 500 participants nationwide to the Sinclair Conference Center, June 8-10, 2026. With some of the nation’s top leaders, researchers, and innovators, such as Dr. Timothy Grayson, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems’ FAST Lab and Lt. General (Ret.) Shaun Morris, Chief Growth Officer of the Small Business Consulting Corporation leading expert sessions on Engineering, Defense, and Manufacturing. The summit will also host engaging and expert panels on AAM and UAS, with Ted Angel, Executive Director of the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence and Chris Lewis, CEO of Vets to Drones serving as speakers.

Each session is geared toward current and ongoing critical and integral digital-based state and federal initiatives regarding research and development and workforce efforts. Some of our current booth sponsors, who will be leading sessions on these efforts, particularly concerning Artificial Intelligence (AI), Aerospace, and Cybersecurity, are the University of Dayton Research Institute, Mile Two, MTSI, REscan 360, and Galois. Additionally, panels will comprise speakers from BAE Systems, Southwest Research Institute, Siemens, and top leadership from the Air Force Materials Command headquarters.  

This summit presents a unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders in industry, government, military sectors, and academia. You can register for the event at Digital Transformation Summit - Workforce or contact Dr. Alison Norton at Alison.Norton@sinclair.edu for more information.

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.