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Engineering and manufacturingLevel 7OCC1376 · ST1376

Digital manufacturing engineering leader

Design and development engineer · Professional · Engineering, design and development

The official framework — 58 requirements.

Every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour below is the verbatim regulatory text of the Digital manufacturing engineering leader apprenticeship standard. On EngTree, each one becomes a node — verified knowledge entries, training modules and End-Point Assessment evidence all map back to it.

Knowledge (28)

What the apprentice must understand

  • K1

    Project management principles: planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and resource management.

  • K2

    Principles of risk management and resilience: identification, management and retiring risks within product, manufacturing operations, supply chain and technology.

  • K3

    Commercial and contractual requirements: commercial relationships through forms of contract, specifications, procurement, insurance, and third-party undertakings.

  • K4

    Negotiation and conflict management techniques.

  • K5

    Written communication techniques. Plain English principles, manufacturing engineering terminology and report writing.

  • K6

    Technical documentation. User, system, deployment, quality assurance, data logging, risk register and maintenance manuals. Content and usage.

  • K7

    Complex digital manufacturing solutions: efficiency, sustainability, alignment with novel industry initiatives. Technology maturity, proof of concept and proof of value.

  • K8

    Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Matching style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them.

  • K9

    Personal and professional development techniques to keep up to date with advances in digital manufacturing and related technologies.

  • K10

    Principles of sustainability and product lifecycle engineering to design systems, products and processes that maximise energy and material efficiency and minimise the environmental impact. Sustainable manufacturing practices. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • K11

    Requirements management techniques throughout the lifecycle. Verification and validation.

  • K12

    Performance management and continuous improvement techniques to sustain and improve the system.

  • K13

    Critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.

  • K14

    Business case development principles: defining the value proposition for digital programs.

  • K15

    Data governance and management principles: establishing and operating data governance and management to ensure maximum effectiveness of digital assets, regulatory requirements, ethical requirements, transparency, accountability, privacy, fairness and GDPR.

  • K16

    Strategic leadership techniques: vision, developing organisations, business transformation.

  • K17

    Digital manufacturing techniques and technology: emerging industry x concepts, digital manufacturing maturity assessments, digital architectures for manufacturing, technology domains, industrial data science frameworks and industrial data standards.

  • K18

    Awareness of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing.

  • K19

    Business transformation: business change management processes and techniques.

  • K20

    Statutory and organisational product and design safety standards and requirements for manufacturing systems. Risk assessments, risk mitigation techniques for any risks identified within design, manufacture, development or test activity.

  • K21

    Technical change: Management of Change (MOC), process for requesting, determining impact, planning, implementing and evaluating changes to a product, system or component.

  • K22

    Industrial cyber security – industrial security frameworks and landscape.

  • K23

    Global and cultural trends: global manufacturing trends and cultural awareness for understanding international manufacturing dynamics.

  • K24

    Systems thinking: principles of managing complexity and ambiguity through systems thinking techniques in heterogenous environments.

  • K25

    Advanced manufacturing and automation technologies: innovative manufacturing techniques: additive, biological, and digital manufacturing. The use and integration of robotics and automation in manufacturing processes, how these technologies enhance efficiency and innovation in production.

  • K26

    Optimised manufacturing systems and strategies: optimised manufacturing processes. Integration of services with physical products (servitization) in manufacturing. Lean and agile manufacturing principles. The importance of streamlined, adaptable, and efficient manufacturing operations.

  • K27

    The Equality Act - requirements on organisations. Social inclusion practices. Reasonable adjustments to support accessibility. The impact of unconscious bias.

  • K28

    Principles of configuring and checking systems and equipment for safe operation before use.

Skills (22)

What the apprentice must be able to do

  • S1

    Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes, operational designs or specifications for systems or components.

  • S2

    Evaluate, select and apply problem-solving methods, including interdisciplinary approaches and systems thinking, to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions.

  • S3

    Manage projects with consideration for various interacting factors such as people and resources, budget, risks, organisational, time and task management, legal, contractual, and statutory requirements.

  • S4

    Comply with statutory and organisational product and design safety standards and requirements. Support risk assessment and mitigation.

  • S5

    Apply performance management techniques to identify and analyse areas for improvement. Lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the system or component.

  • S6

    Configure and check all systems and equipment for safe operation before use.

  • S7

    Utilise design thinking and human centric design approaches.

  • S8

    Determine the feasibility and applicability of complex digital manufacturing solutions, including the integration of multidisciplinary technologies. Evaluate these solutions for suitability with considerations such as efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with novel Industry initiatives.

  • S9

    Complete requirements gathering and prioritise key areas, such as user, technical and environmental.

  • S10

    Design and implement digital manufacturing systems and architecture considering technical requirements and standards to sustainable practice and the whole product lifecycle and environmental impact for both short-term and long-term.

  • S11

    Analyse and evaluate data and use outcomes to make recommendations and formulate actions.

  • S12

    Communicate verbally to stakeholders through methods such as presentations, digital media, and discussions.

  • S13

    Collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders. Strategically manage differing and competing interests with stakeholders.

  • S14

    Communicate in writing.

  • S15

    Identify and complete opportunities for personal and professional development.

  • S16

    Mentor and guide colleagues on the technical aspects of digital manufacturing and related technologies, focusing on continuous learning and adaptation to emerging trends.

  • S17

    Apply technologies in line with maturity levels within solution design and development phases.

  • S18

    Apply critical thinking and analytical skills.

  • S19

    Apply quality assurance, system inspection, quality control, testing and maintenance procedures.

  • S20

    Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity and inclusion.

  • S21

    Lead and manage change in the context of digital transformation in manufacturing settings.

  • S22

    Comply with the expectations and requirements of industrial security frameworks and the industrial cyber security landscape.

Behaviours (8)

How the apprentice must conduct themselves

  • B1

    Act as a role model and advocate for health and safety.

  • B2

    Act in a professional and ethical manner.

  • B3

    Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines.

  • B4

    Commit to their own, and support others’, professional development.

  • B5

    Lead by example to promote innovation using critical and analytical thinking.

  • B6

    Lead by example to promote accessibility, equality, diversity and inclusion.

  • B7

    Adapt and be resilient to challenging or changing situations with empathy and an agile mindset.

  • B8

    Act as a role model and advocate environmental, societal and governance best practices.

This framework is where Pathways
meets verified knowledge.

Scenarios practise these requirements. Verified entries teach them. The evidence portfolio proves them. One spine, three surfaces.