BACKGROUND Good practices within SMEs automated mechanical production processes applying mechatronics 4.0 (M4.0) (Manufuture Vision 2030, 2018), provides inspection procedures for production, testing, and quality assurance (QA) in order to ensure that a new product is safe. To prepare M4.0 of automated manufacturing systems able to adapt to combine mechanical elements of the systems, install and adjust devices that operate pneumatic systems and program logic controllers etc., provision of new, improved and enhanced digital skills training programs are needed. This is driven by Industry 4.0 through the implementation of new ICT in the production equipment. Growth in M4.0 driven manufacturing must be achieved efficiently, alongside high standards of QA and the mitigation of the mechanical elements of the systems environmental impacts (greening). This necessitates an upgrading of inspector operatives workforce skills and qualifications through the deployment of more innovative and accessible work-based M4.0 learning systems, ultimately letting staff take smarter decissions when interconnecting different technologies and different devices. This should fully motivate and support staff development and the attainment of nationally qualifications (NQs) respected by the industry. PARTICIPANTS Whilst there are some effective (higher) VET systems to support M4.0 VET development, most notably in NO and SE, mature entrants are not so well served. They currently lack synchronized in-company support during work based training activites and practice. This includs support from tutoring staff towards their theoretical knowledge check-test, as well during the practical training with priority given to better obtain the smart decission competencies needed in smart factories. In some countries like HU and RO, once in employment, formal VET pathways leading to the completion of a NQs in M4.0 are hard to access or not well supported. Unfortunately only 10% of the inspector workfoce in Norway and Sweden has got a NQ. Therefore, most of the inspector operatives remains un-qualified and highly dependent on informal inhouse training (non-formal VET) provided by the companies themselves. OBJECTIVES The ultimate goal is to develop a new tutor supported work-based learning pedagogy within industrial M4.0 VET that better meet the demand for SMEs assembly, setup, maintenance and design of automated industrial systems controlled by computers. It enables individual’s informal competences and skills to become recognised and accepted and built on through individualised and peer learning supported group processes. ACTIVITIES EuroMEC develops and pilots a system for the delivery of innovative ‘individualised’ work-based learning practices, supported by in-company tutors and the suppliers of new M4.0 production equipment. The pre-requisite processes are recognising prior learning and flexible learning resources will be aligned to a shared framework of industry endorsed M4.0 learning outcomes. The continious assessment of practical competence at the workplace will involve employers and inform NQ assessment results that are understood by the M4.0 SME manufacturing industry in Europe. Consequently, work-based VET pathways and qualifications will gain parity of esteem and learner mobility will be promoted, aided by European tools, including EQF and ECVET. The European industry’s aim of promoting knowledge exchange between the main manufacturing countries and collective problem solving will be synergised by the shared new M4.0 learning solution. METHODS There is a gap between the ambitions of the industry and the current training methods, which do not take into account how many staff that are champions in problem solving while they at the same time avoid and fears the required theoretical training. This will be resolved by developing - a common framework of M4.0 learning outcomes in Europe - new work-based M4.0 learning, tutoring and assessment delivery pedagogy and resources that increase capacity for skills instruction and contribute to a QA of assessment in formal VET delivery systems - national work-based learning delivery partnerships that will update M4.0 VET resources, shared by a VET provider network and supported by industry tutors - M4.0 piloting of the delivery of NQs to work-based learners utilising shared resources and the evaluation of learners’ experiences, to inform the development of improved VET learning systems RESULTS EuroMEC helps improving the M4.0 VET system for SMEs manufacturing industry staff. The new in-company tutor system will offer a new system solution applying standarized and harmonized methods for support during the theoretical training phases and in particular the work-based training to be organized in smart industries. IMPACT The overall mission is to improve the accessibility and quality of work-based learning for inspector operatives at two levels, and prepare for harmonisation of M4.0 industry endorsed NQ.
The EuroMec project want to create a general framework for work-based learning pedagogy that meets the current and future needs for education and training of industrial inspectors that can meet the current and future industry needs in this industry sector. The framework shall be flexible in order to cover the needs for skills updating in a life-long learning perspective as well as for education and training of new inspector candidates. The new learning pedagogy aims at following the manufacturing process, from design, through process planning and production, through to final inspection and delivery to the client. Through this methodology a resilient inspection methodology can be implemented in the companies thus avoiding costly repair. The courses developed through the project allows the industry to implement segments of the course when needed and gradually build it into a complete course resulting in an international diploma. Through this structured approach the pedagogical methodology can also be implemented for other sectors both within the metal working industry as well as for other areas as well.
The European Pressure Equipment Directive, PED (2014/68/EU) entered into force in 2016 and it aims to guarantee free movement movement of products with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0,5 bar. A majority of these products are produced with welding as a fabrication method followed by other automatic or semi-automatic production methods. The variety in this industry spans from automatic fabrication methods with oil and gas industry and pipe line developments through to automatic pressure vessel design and fabrication. Introduction of new fabrication methods and automation leads to implementation of industry M4.0. Manufacturing companies are under heavy pressure to readjust their manufacturing footprint and to reduce consumption in order to meet the sustainability targets. This will accelerate the trend for automation and upskilling of the workforce knowledge and competence. Lack of knowledge and competence is increasing in this sector as a consequence of these rapid changes. The EuroMec project is addressing these challenges by developing a new work-based M4.0 learning technology focusing on the role of the inspectors for quality assurance of the products being manufactured.