Industry

Technical Description
Industry 4.0
WorldSkills International, by a resolution of the Competitions Committee and in accordance with the
Constitution, the Standing Orders, and the Competition Rules, has adopted the following minimum
requirements for this skill for the WorldSkills Competition.
The Technical Description consists of the following:
1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2 The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS) ...................................................................... 5
3 The Assessment Strategy and Specification ............................................................................. 13
4 The Marking Scheme .................................................................................................................... 14
5 The Test Project ............................................................................................................................ 18
6 Skill management and communication ...................................................................................... 22
7 Skill-specific safety requirements .............................................................................................. 24
8 Materials and equipment ............................................................................................................. 25
9 Skill-specific rules ........................................................................................................................ 28
10 Visitor and media engagement.................................................................................................... 30
11 Sustainability ................................................................................................................................ 31
12 References for industry consultation ......................................................................................... 32
13 Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 33
WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

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Last updated: 28.09.2023 15:18 (GMT) Industry 4.0
1 Introduction
1.1 Name and description of the skill competition

1.1.1 The name of the skill competition is
Industry 4.0
1.1.2 Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are impacting on manufacturing and production
processes to the extent that their effects are likened to a “fourth industrial revolution”; hence the
term “Industry 4.0”. Others use terms such as “smart production”. The business case for
introducing ICT is most immediately clear with large scale, complex manufacturing, where
significant gains can result from early adoption. However, in diverse ways ICT will have a far-
reaching impact, forcing rapid adaptation to the work people do, and the knowledge, skills and
attributes that they need to do it with ICT enables
• variety and individualization in products and services;

• shortened response times for production processes;
• greater productivity through reduced time and costs;
• information to be collected, shared and used in different ways for new purposes.
For the Digital Production Systems Technician, implementing Industry 4.0 requires contextual
awareness, including the business case as it affects their responsibilities. In the short term at least,
the Technician may lack sufficient knowledge, skills and attributes to be able to grasp an
assignment as a whole, since their initial and continuing training may have been in production
technologies, or ICT. They may also not have gained the wider perspectives and understanding
that are less crucial in more static environments. Therefore initially, and perhaps permanently in
larger organizations, the required expertise and perspectives may need to come together in two or
more personnel.
The role of the Digital Production Systems Technician is to understand the business case for
enhancement, and to design and implement technical responses accordingly. Assembled and
commissioned hardware in virtual and real context using various digital tools and technology
provide the basis for programming, and the design and implementation of cyber security measures
on real and virtual production processes. Responding to the business need, smart maintenance
may be a universal enhancement. Optimization may be more business specific and take several
paths, especially in relation to the role of hardware, connectivity, the location of data points, and the
purposes and types of information and intelligence.
A flexible and open approach, combined with strong technical expertise, alertness to risk and
security needs, and a recognition of the endless possibilities for optimization, are the hallmark of
the outstanding and successful Digital Production Systems Technician.
1.1.3 Number of Competitors per team
This skill competition is a team skill with two Competitors per team.
Recommended:
• One participant is a Mechatronic/Mechanic/Electrotechnical/Automation Technician (ME)

• One participant is a Computer Science/an IT Technician (IT)
• Both participants are Digital Production System Technicians (in the future)

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1.1.4 Age limit of Competitors
The Competitors must not be older than 25 years in the year of the Competition.
1.2 The relevance and significance of this document

This document contains information about the standards required to compete in this skill
competition, and the assessment principles, methods, and procedures that govern the competition.
Every Expert and Competitor must know and understand this Technical Description.
In the event of any conflict within the different languages of the Technical Descriptions, the English
version takes precedence.
1.3 Associated documents

Since this Technical Description contains only skill-specific information it must be used in
association with the following:
• WSI – Code of Ethics and Conduct

• WSI – Competition Rules
• WSI – WorldSkills Occupational Standards framework
• WSI – WorldSkills Assessment Strategy
• WSI online resources as indicated in this document
• WorldSkills Health, Safety, and Environment Policy and Regulations
• WorldSkills Standards and Assessment Guide (skill-specific)

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2 The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)
2.1 General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin
international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an
occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding
of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business
(www.worldskills.org/WSOS).
The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to
the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for
the skill competition.
In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the
assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding
where there is an overwhelming reason for these.
The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.
Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within
the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is
100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.
Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are
set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as
comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.
The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent
practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the
weightings assigned by the Standards.

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2.2 WorldSkills Occupational Standards
Section Relative
importance
(%)
1 Work organization and management 5
The individual needs to know and understand:

• The principles and parameters of integrated automated production
• Their specific roles within integrated automated production
• Principles, applications, accountabilities and techniques for project
management
• Principles and applications of safe working practice broadly and
specifically
• The purpose, use, care and maintenance of equipment, facilities
and materials
• Principles and methods for organizing, controlling and managing
work and its outcomes
• Their personal strengths and limitations relative to the roles,
projects and modules assigned
The individual shall be able to:

• Set up and maintain a safe, clean and efficient work area
• Maintain an appropriate state of preparation and readiness to
receive, schedule and act on requests and assignments efficiently,
effectively and safely
• Order, select, use and care for all equipment, facilities and
materials in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and
accepted good practice
• Conduct self and all operations with care and consideration for
other personnel, cost efficiency and the environment
• Monitor progress, modifying or changing plans or approaches
through a rational process, within their personal authority
• Complete assignments or modules, and restore the work area to
its state of readiness for future use
• Reflect on and review their personal performance, as part of
continuing professional development
2 Communication and interpersonal skills 5

• Their personal strengths and limitations
◦ In perception and awareness
◦ In communication with known and unknown others
◦ In working as a colleague, leader, learner or assistant
• Principles of communication and purposeful social learning
• Standards and protocols for formal and informal, direct and
indirect communication with team members, managers and clients
• The technical language required for the role, including the content
and structures of the English language

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Section Relative
importance
(%)
• Standards and protocols for communicating electronically and in

the cyber space
• The scope and purposes of documentation in hard copy and
electronic format
• The requirements for routine and exception reports, in all formats
• Principles and methods for analysing, synthesizing, using and
communicating data

• receive assignments, identify their salient points, and ask
questions for clarification and confirmation
• read, interpret and extract technical data and instructions from
given documentation in all available formats
• discuss and plan with relevant others the complex, joint and
overlapping elements of assignments
• communicate verbally, in writing, and electronically, using
methods that ensure clarity, efficiency and effectiveness
• make and retain reports on progress, issues and actions, in the
required formats
• give and take feedback and support to and from others
• review the team’s performance, one’s own contribution, and
individual and collective learning points
3 Design, assembly, and commissioning 20

• Practical applications of engineering science and technology to
the design and production of goods and services in virtual and
real context
• Principles and directions for integrating local/artificial intelligence
with wider communication capacities
• Principles and applications for the
◦ Design
◦ Assembly
◦ Connectivity and
◦ Commissioning
of hardware and peripherals to meet cyber-physical requirements
• Principles and methods for integrating autonomous subsystems
and components
• Principles and applications for data collection, storage, networking
and use

• Read and interpret instructions, using questioning techniques and
research to check, verify and prepare

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Section Relative
importance
(%)
• Design systems for the automation and communication of

production modules, with the given parameters for cyber-physical
systems
• Test and implement design solutions
• Assemble machines and equipment
• Select and apply sensors, communication technologies, and
devices for motion control, position sensing, pressure testing and
electronic communication
• Test the performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical and
integrated systems and equipment, relative to their intended
purpose
• Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of
materials, components or finished goods
• Integrate the equipment and sub-systems to ensure readiness for
data capture, networking, exchange and use
• Commission the system
• Create and maintain project files
4 Software design and implementation 20

• Mathematics and their applications
• Principles and applications of electronics
• Computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic
• Computer hardware and software, and their applications
• The required standards for code conventions, style guides, user
interface designs, managing directories, and files
• Principles and applications of human-machine communication

• Write, analyse, review, and rewrite programs
• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking
that the desired results are produced
• Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing
programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new
requirements
• Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software
packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory,
storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment
• Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to
ensure they produce the desired information and the instructions
are correct
• Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe
input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series
of instructions coded in a computer language
• Compile and write documentation of program development and
subsequent revisions, using protocols to ensure that others can
understand the programs

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Section Relative
importance
(%)
• Consult with others to define and resolve problems in running

programs
• Perform systems analysis and programming moduless to maintain
and control the use of computer systems software.
• Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users
• Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central
processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are
responding to a program's instructions
5 Networking and cyber security 20

• The scale and nature of the organization’s vulnerability to
breaches in information security
• The trends, nature and intent of malicious breaches
• The nature and causes of incidental and accidental data
breaches, both human and systemic
• Principles and methodologies for establishing and maintaining
maximum information security and data integrity
• Principles and methodologies for addressing minor breaches
• Principles for the design and execution of disaster recovery plans.
• Development environment software
• Network protocols and topology
• Network monitoring software
• Transaction security and virus protection software
• Web platform development software

• Design and implement network protocols and topologies
• Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or
unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure, and meet
emergency data processing needs
• Maintain levels of preparedness and the availability of
preventative and defensive tools commensurate with risks and
trends in malicious attacks
• Monitor reports of computer viruses to determine when to update
virus protection systems
• Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal
confidential information during transmitted, and to keep out tainted
digital transfers
• Perform risk assessments and conduct tests of data processing
systems to ensure safe functioning of data processing and
security measures
• Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct
errors, or change individual access status
• Monitor the use of data files and regulate access to safeguard
information

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Section Relative
importance
(%)
• Review violations of procedures and take steps to prevent their

repeating
• Document computer security and emergency measures, policies,
procedures and tests
• Test and simulate disaster recovery plans
• Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system
security and improve server and network efficiency
6 Testing, maintenance, and fault-finding 15

• Principles and applications of smart maintenance, based on data,
to enable
◦ Condition monitoring
◦ Data analysis and correlation
◦ Predictive maintenance
◦ Mobile maintenance
• The use of augmented reality and other emerging technologies
and tools
• The use of simulation models, reconfiguration and virtualization
• Operational parameters/process data
• The use of constraints and variables, restrictions, alternatives,
conflicting objectives, and numerical parameters for
conceptualizing and defining problems
• Principles and methodologies for designing alternatives and
making decisions and recommendations
• The purposes and nature of maintenance records

• Identify the parts of the production system to which to apply smart
maintenance
• Establish the parameters for the parts’ operation
• Use the access tools at the appropriate data points, or on a
mobile basis
• Monitor the condition of each part, using augmented reality or
other tools as helpful
• Discuss and check findings with relevant personnel
• Undertake preventive or predictive maintenance by reviewing
alternative courses of action and scheduling or recommending the
optimal measure(s)
• Use the available technology and measures to effect maintenance
with least disruption to production
7 Enhancement and optimization 10

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Section Relative
importance
(%)

• The potential for smart production systems to be enhanced to
◦ Enable greater flexibility and individualization in production
◦ Shorten reaction and response time in production
◦ Reduce time and cost in production
◦ Collect, share and use information for continuous enhancement
• Principles and methods for identifying, analysing and pursuing
opportunities for enhancement
• The implications of increased data storage and exchange
• Principles and methods for cost benefit analysis
• Principles and methods for work organization and workforce
planning and development

• Reduce costs by removing waste ad consumption caused by
◦ Over-production
◦ Stock and storage
◦ Over- and unnecessary processing
◦ Poor quality
◦ Transport and movement
◦ Waiting time
• Analyse and recommend opportunities for optimization using
◦ Simulations
◦ Prototyping
◦ Digital shadows/twins
• Identify opportunities for
◦ Greater lateral and vertical integration
◦ The use of the Cloud
• Identify the cost-benefit implications, financial and human, of
optimization
8 Analysis, evaluation, and reporting 5

• Principles and applications of critical thinking and complex
problem-solving
• The uses and availability of self-monitoring equipment and tools
• The bases, techniques and tools for creating and using analytical
models of performance, including
◦ Performance targets or specifications
◦ Numerical and quantifiable parameters
◦ Data requirements
◦ Constraints and variables
◦ Alternatives
• How to conceptualize, define and evaluate problems referred to
them, and to derive recommendations for solutions

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Section Relative
importance
(%)
• The content, structure and presentation for reports serving

different purposes
• Principles and applications to presentations for management,
peers and clients
• Cost benefit analysis, and its uses for recommending alternative
courses of action

• Take account of requirements for monitoring, review and
evaluation in the design of the system and sub-systems
• Optimize the use of self-monitoring equipment and tools to the
extent feasible
• Design and apply an appropriate model for monitoring and
evaluating performance relative to specification
• Anticipate requests for feedback and reports, and prepare
accordingly on a data rational basis
• Prepare reports in appropriate formats for routine and exception
reporting
• Make presentations customized to particular groups and
individuals
• Maintain awareness of new possibilities and options for
improvement, making recommendations on the basis of return on
investment
Total 100

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3 The Assessment Strategy and Specification
3.1 General guidance

Assessment is governed by the WorldSkills Assessment Strategy. The Strategy establishes the
principles and techniques to which WorldSkills assessment and marking must conform.
Expert assessment practice lies at the heart of the WorldSkills Competition. For this reason, it is
the subject of continuing professional development and scrutiny. The growth of expertise in
assessment will inform the future use and direction of the main assessment instruments used by
the WorldSkills Competition: the Marking Scheme, Test Project, and Competition Information
System (CIS).
Assessment at the WorldSkills Competition falls into two broad types: Measurement and
Judgement. For both types of assessment, the use of explicit benchmarks against which to assess
each Aspect is essential to guarantee quality.
The Marking Scheme must follow the weightings within the Standards. The Test Project is the
assessment vehicle for the skill competition, and therefore also follows the Standards. The CIS
enables the timely and accurate recording of marks; its capacity for scrutiny, support, and feedback
is continuously expanding.
The Marking Scheme, in outline, will lead the process of Test Project design. After this, the Marking
Scheme and Test Project will be designed, developed, and verified through an iterative process, to
ensure that both together optimize their relationship with the Standards and the Assessment
Strategy. They will be agreed by the Experts and submitted to WSI for approval together, to
demonstrate their quality and conformity with the Standards.
Prior to submission for approval to WSI, the Marking Scheme and Test Project will liaise with the
WSI Skill Advisors for quality assurance and to benefit from the capabilities of the CIS.

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4 The Marking Scheme
4.1 General guidance

This section describes the role and place of the Marking Scheme, how the Experts will assess
Competitors’ work as demonstrated through the Test Project, and the procedures and requirements
for marking.
The Marking Scheme is the pivotal instrument of the WorldSkills Competition, in that it ties
assessment to the standard that represents each skill competition, which itself represents a global
occupation. It is designed to allocate marks for each assessed aspect of performance in
accordance with the weightings in the Standards.
By reflecting the weightings in the Standards, the Marking Scheme establishes the parameters for
the design of the Test Project. Depending on the nature of the skill competition and its assessment
needs, it may initially be appropriate to develop the Marking Scheme in more detail as a guide for
Test Project design. Alternatively, initial Test Project design can be based on the outline Marking
Scheme. From this point onwards the Marking Scheme and Test Project should be developed
together.
Section 2.1 above indicates the extent to which the Marking Scheme and Test Project may diverge
from the weightings given in the Standards, if there is no practicable alternative.
For integrity and fairness, the Marking Scheme and Test Project are increasingly designed and
developed by one or more Independent Test Project Designer(s) with relevant expertise. In these
instances, the Marking Scheme and Test Project are unseen by Experts until immediately before
the start of the skill competition, or competition module. Where the detailed and final Marking
Scheme and Test Project are designed by Experts, they must be approved by the whole Expert
group prior to submission for independent validation and quality assurance. Please see the
Competition Rules for further details.
Experts and Independent Test Project Designers are required to submit their Marking Schemes and
Test Projects for review, verification, and validation well in advance of completion. They are also
expected to work with their Skill Advisor, reviewers, and verifiers, throughout the design and
development process, for quality assurance and in order to take full advantage of the CIS’s
features.
In all cases a draft Marking Scheme must be entered into the CIS at least eight weeks prior to the
Competition. Skill Advisors actively facilitate this process.
4.2 Assessment Criteria

The main headings of the Marking Scheme are the Assessment Criteria. These headings are
derived before, or in conjunction with, the Test Project. In some skill competitions the Assessment
Criteria may be similar to the section headings in the Standards; in others they may be different.
There will normally be between five and nine Assessment Criteria. Whether or not the headings
match, the Marking Scheme as a whole must reflect the weightings in the Standards.
Assessment Criteria are created by the person or people developing the Marking Scheme, who are
free to define the Criteria that they consider most suited to the assessment and marking of the Test
Project. Each Assessment Criterion is defined by a letter (A-I). The Assessment Criteria, the
allocation of marks, and the assessment methods, should not be set out within this
Technical Description. This is because the Criteria, allocation of marks, and assessment

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methods all depend on the nature of the Marking Scheme and Test Project, which is decided
after this Technical Description is published.
The Mark Summary Form generated by the CIS will comprise a list of the Assessment Criteria and
Sub Criteria.
The marks allocated to each Criterion will be calculated by the CIS. These will be the cumulative
sum of marks given to each Aspect within that Assessment Criterion.
4.3 Sub Criteria

Each Assessment Criterion is divided into one or more Sub Criteria. Each Sub Criterion becomes
the heading for a WorldSkills marking form. Each marking form (Sub Criterion) contains Aspects to
be assessed and marked by Measurement or Judgement, or both Measurement and Judgement.
Each marking form (Sub Criterion) specifies both the day on which it will be marked, and the
identity of the marking team.
4.4 Aspects
Each Aspect defines, in detail, a single item to be assessed and marked, together with the marks,
and detailed descriptors or instructions as a guide to marking. Each Aspect is assessed either by
Measurement or by Judgement.
The marking form lists, in detail, every Aspect to be marked together with the mark allocated to it.
The sum of the marks allocated to each Aspect must fall within the range of marks specified for that
section of the Standards. This will be displayed in the Mark Allocation Table of the CIS, in the
following format, when the Marking Scheme is reviewed from C-8 weeks. (Section 4.1 refers.)
4.5 Assessment and marking

There is to be one marking team for each Sub Criterion, whether it is assessed and marked by
Judgement, Measurement, or both. The same marking team must assess and mark all
Competitors. Where this is impracticable (for example where an action must be done by every
Competitor simultaneously, and must be observed doing so), a second tier of assessment and
marking will be put in place, with the approval of the Competitions Committee Management Team.
The marking teams must be organized to ensure that there is no compatriot marking in any
circumstances. (Section 4.6 refers.)

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4.6 Assessment and marking using Judgement
Judgement uses a scale of 0-3. To apply the scale with rigour and consistency, Judgement must be
conducted using:
• benchmarks (criteria) for detailed guidance for each Aspect (in words, images, artefacts, or
separate guidance notes). This is documented in the Standards and Assessment Guide.
• the 0-3 scale to indicate:
◦ 0: performance below industry standard
◦ 1: performance meets industry standard
◦ 2: performance meets and, in specific respects, exceeds industry standard
◦ 3: performance wholly exceeds industry standard and is judged as excellent
Three Experts will judge each Aspect, normally simultaneously, and record their scores. A fourth
Expert coordinates and supervises the scoring, and checks their validity. They also act as a judge
when required to prevent compatriot marking.
4.7 Assessment and marking using Measurement

Normally three Experts will be used to assess each Aspect, with a fourth Expert supervising. In
some circumstances the team may organize itself as two pairs, for dual marking. Unless otherwise
stated, only the maximum mark or zero will be awarded. Where they are used, the benchmarks for
awarding partial marks will be clearly defined within the Aspect. To avoid errors in calculation or
transmission, the CIS provides a large number of automated calculation options, the use of which
is mandated.
4.8 The use of Measurement and Judgement

Decisions regarding the choice of criteria and assessment methods will be made during the design
of the competition through the Marking Scheme and Test Project.
4.9 Skill assessment strategy and procedures

WorldSkills is committed to continuous improvement including reviewing past limitations and
building on good practice. The following skill assessment strategy and procedures for this skill
competition take this into account and explain how the marking process will be managed.
The following performance must be assessed:
• Mechanical assembly of all components (assembly must ensure correct functioning of the
system)
• Ethernet communication between the communication components is established
• Output variables of the PLC application may be forced, some of them controlled via HMI
• Implementation of secured communication between MES 4 software and the HW application:
◦ Creation of a VLAN
◦ Data encryption
◦ Redundant network
• Application Start-up procedure
• Smart/Preventive Maintenance
• Integration of an Energy monitoring system
• Work with MES software
• Analysis, evaluation, optimization, reporting

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The Sponsor’s technical support team will provide spare and replacement parts for Competitors
only during competition time. Exceptions are announced by the Chief Expert.
The prepared and complete Marking Scheme must be checked and agreed by all Experts, who
must sign off the final Marking Scheme prior to the start of the competition.
Procedure for testing PLCs and programming software prior to being used:
• Competitors will get a USB stick from the Chief Expert with the module description, all PLC
project(s) and documents needed for the module execution.
• The system has to be prepared by the Competitors for the Assessment as given in the specific
module description.
• If applicable, additional equipment may be used by the assessment team during the assessment
procedure (e.g. tablets, additional computers, software tools…). The Experts will be informed at
the meeting on C-3.
• The server computer is used for the assessment of the module specific demands. Competitor
devices (computers, tablets) have to be disconnected from the system network, described in the
specific module.
• The assessment team is not allowed to modify neither HW nor SW solution(s) of the Competitors
during the assessment of the specific module.
• In case of uncertainty, the Competitors will be called to prove the evidence.
• The Competitors are allowed to enter the workplace:
◦ Only on an invitation of the assessment team to show a solution/a way how the team came to
the solution
◦ The Experts give clear and direct instructions to the Competitors;
◦ Competitors are not allowed to discuss the assessment with the Experts;
◦ As soon as the evidence is shown, the competition team member(s) will be asked to get back to
the briefing area, in front of the workplace.
The WorldSkills Standards and Assessment Guide will be available on the WorldSkills website for
every Expert to get guidance on Assessment.

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5 The Test Project
5.1 General notes

Sections 3 and 4 govern the development of the Test Project. These notes are supplementary.
Whether it is a single entity, or a series of stand-alone or connected modules, the Test Project will
enable the assessment of the applied knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in each section of
the WSOS.
The purpose of the Test Project is to provide full, balanced, and authentic opportunities for
assessment and marking across the Standards, in conjunction with the Marking Scheme. The
relationship between the Test Project, Marking Scheme, and Standards will be a key indicator of
quality, as will be its relationship with actual work performance.
The Test Project will not cover areas outside the Standards or affect the balance of marks within
the Standards other than in the circumstances indicated by Section 2. This Technical Description
will note any issues that affect the Test Project’s capacity to support the full range of assessment
relative to the Standards. Section 2.1 refers.
The Test Project will enable knowledge and understanding to be assessed solely through their
applications within practical work. The Test Project will not assess knowledge of WorldSkills rules
and regulations.
Most Test Projects and Marking Schemes are now designed and developed independently of the
Experts. They are designed and developed either by the Skill Competition Manager, or an
Independent Test Project Designer, normally from C-12 months. They are subject to independent
review, verification, and validation. (Section 4.1 refers.)
The information provided below will be subject to what is known at the time of completing this
Technical Description, and the requirement for confidentiality.
Please refer to the current version of the Competition Rules for further details.
5.2 Format/structure of the Test Project

The Test Project is a series of four (4) separately assessed modules.
Day and Day WSOS section

time (figure 2)
C1 Digital Twin and MES Reporting 1, 2, 3, 4

Design, programming (Web shop)
C2 Design, assembly, connectivity, commissioning (Digital 1, 2, 5, 6

Shadow, CP Factory)
Security
C3 Design, assembly, connectivity, commissioning Smart 1, 2, 5, 7

maintenance
Optimization (ME)

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Day and Day WSOS section
time (figure 2)
C4 Cloud Computing 1, 2, 3, 4
Analysis, evaluation, and reporting
5.3 Test Project design requirements

Test Projects should reflect the purposes, structures, processes, and outcomes of the occupational
role they are based on. They should aim to be a small-scale version of that role. Before focusing on
practicalities, SMTs should show how the Test Project design will provide full, balanced, and
authentic opportunities for assessment and marking across the Standards, as set out in Section
5.1.
The Test Project must fulfil the following requirements:
• To be based on a true story:

◦ To retrofit/upgrade an existing “Industry 3.0” based production system to an “Industry 4.0” one,
providing digital transformation I3.0 to I4.0
◦ To produce a product based on a customer’s specific needs
• To be accompanied by a marking scale that is finalized at the Competition in accordance with the
Section 3 of this document
• To be validated according to the section 5.5
• To be modular
• Contain four (4) modules
• To be supplied at the Competition for Expert teams to develop the project with fully functioning
equipment. This is to allow the Experts to form a consistent evaluation of the modules with the
working models
• To be supplied with documentation clarifying the operation of special or new equipment for the
Experts to finalize the Test Project
• To be supplied with a library of photographs or drawings to clarify requirements of the modules (if
necessary)
• The modules are closely associated to the hardware used
• If a Global Partner employee is the Independent Test Project Designer, WorldSkills may nominate
an auditor to monitor, review and verify the development process. This can be a group of Experts
who have a deeper understanding of the technology
• In order to keep the competition fair, the Independent Test Project Designer must keep the
modules secret. A trusted third party – an auditor – can monitor the preparation of the
competition, receiving the completed modules from the Skill Competition Manager three (3)
months prior to the competition.
Information on the modules are distributed strictly on a need-to-know basis: Information will only be
given to those involved in development who need to know, and they will only get the information
they need to make their contribution. Each person involved in the development process must sign a
confidentiality agreement prior to receiving any competition-sensitive information.
5.4 Test Project coordination and development

The Test Project MUST be submitted using the templates provided by WorldSkills International
(www.worldskills.org/expertcentre). Use the Word template for text documents and DWG template
for drawings.

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5.4.1 Test Project coordination (preparation for Competition)
Coordination of the Test Project/modules will be undertaken by the Skill Competition Manager.
5.4.2 Who develops the Test Project/modules
The Test Project/modules are developed by an Independent Test Project Designer (ITPD) in
collaboration with the Skill Competition Manager.
5.4.3 When is the Test Project developed
The Test Project/modules are developed according to the following timeline:
Time Activity
Ten (10) months prior to the The ITPD is identified and a Confidentiality Agreement
Competition between WSI and the ITPD is organized.
Six (6) months prior to the The known stations are announced in the Worldskills
Competition Discussion Forum.
The Skill Competition Manager and the Independent Test
Project Designer check the concept of the eight (8)
modules;
No later than one (1) month The Test Project documents are sent to the WorldSkills
prior to the Competition International Skills Competitions Administration Manager.
At the Competition on C-2 The Test Project/modules are presented to the Experts.
At the Competition on the The Test Project/modules are presented to the Competitors.
beginning of each module
5.5 Test Project initial review and verification

The purpose of a Test Project is to create a challenge for Competitors which authentically
represents working life for an outstanding practitioner in an identified occupation. By doing this, the
Test Project will apply the Marking Scheme and fully represent the WSOS. In this way it is unique in
its context, purpose, activities, and expectations.
To support Test Project design and development, a rigorous quality assurance and design process
is in place (Competition Rules sections 10.6-10.7 refer.) Once approved by WorldSkills, the
Independent Test Project Designer (ITPD) is expected to identify one or more independent
expert(s), and trusted individuals initially to review the Independent Test Project Designer’s ideas
and plans, and subsequently to verify the Test Project, prior to validation.
A Skill Advisor will ensure and coordinate this arrangement, to guarantee the timeliness and
thoroughness of both initial review, and verification, based on the risk analysis that underpins
Section 10.7 of the Competition Rules.
5.6 Test Project validation

The Skill Competition Manager coordinates the validation of the Test Project/modules and will
ensure that it can be completed within the material, equipment, knowledge, and time constraints of
Competitors.

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5.7 Test Project circulation
The Test Project/modules are not circulated prior to the Competition. The Test Project/modules are
presented to Experts on C-2 and to Competitors at the beginning of each module.
5.8 Test Project change

Due to the Test Project being developed by an Independent Test Project Designer (ITPD), there is
no change required to be made to the Test Project/modules at the Competition. Exceptions are
amendments to technical errors in the Test Project documents and according to infrastructure
limitations.
5.9 Material or manufacturer specifications

Specific material and/or manufacturer specifications required to allow the Competitor to complete
the Test Project will be supplied by the Competition Organizer and are available from
www.worldskills.org/infrastructure located in the Expert Centre. However, note that in some cases
details of specific materials and/or manufacturer specifications may remain secret and will not be
released prior to the Competition. These items may include those for fault finding modules or
modules not circulated.
• A document called “Software requirements” as well as all necessary Apps for the Server PC and
tablets are specified and circulated six (6) months prior to the Competition via the WorldSkills
Discussion Forum;
• The Competitors are responsible for the provision of power supply connectors, adaptors, plugs,
and interfaces suitable for the Host Country and for the PLC to any station;
• Competitors are allowed to prepare air infrastructure during Familiarization Day on C-2;#
• When some special tools are needed, then this is announced in the WorldSkills Discussion
Forum;
• Any commercially available tools may be used. This is subject to approval by the Workshop
Manager from a safety perspective, but must not take away from commonly used "tools of the
trade" as used by the Competitors in their everyday job.
• A server computer will be provided by the Competitor Organizer;

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6 Skill management and communication
6.1 Discussion Forum

Prior to the Competition, all discussion, communication, collaboration, and decision making
regarding the skill competition must take place on the WorldSkills skill-specific Discussion Forum.
(http://forums.worldskills.org). Skill related decisions and communication are only valid if they take
place on the WorldSkills Discussion Forum. The Chief Expert (or an Expert Lead appointed by the
Skill Management Team) will be the moderator for this Discussion Forum. Refer to the Competition
Rules for the timeline of communication and competition development requirements.
6.2 Competitor information

All information for registered Competitors is available from the Competitor Centre
(www.worldskills.org/competitorcentre).
This information includes:
• Competition Rules
• Technical Descriptions
• Mark Summary Form (where applicable)
• Test Projects (where applicable)
• Infrastructure List
• WorldSkills Health, Safety, and Environment Policy and Regulations
• Other Competition-related information
6.3 Test Projects and Marking Schemes

Circulated Test Projects will be available from www.worldskills.org/testprojects and the Competitor
Centre (www.worldskills.org/competitorcentre).
6.4 Day-to-day management

The day-to-day management of the skill competition during the Competition is defined in the Skill
Management Plan that is created by the Skill Management Team. The Skill Management Team
comprises the Skill Competition Manager, Chief Expert, and the Expert Leads. The Skill
Management Plan is progressively developed in the six (6) months prior to the Competition and
finalized at the Competition. The Skill Management Plan can be viewed in the Expert Centre
(www.worldskills.org/expertcentre).
6.5 General best practice procedures

General best practice procedures clearly delineate the difference between what is a best practice
procedure and skill-specific rules (section 9). General best practice procedures are those where
Experts and Competitors CANNOT be held accountable as a breach to the Competition Rules or
skill-specific rules which would have a penalty applied as part of the Issue and Dispute Resolution
procedure including the Code of Ethics and Conduct Penalty System. In some cases, general best
practice procedures for Competitors may be reflected in the Marking Scheme.

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Topic/task Best practice procedure
Drawings, • Drawings of the hardware layout/configuration is provided by the

recording Chief Expert
information
Equipment failure • Sponsor’s Technical Support Team provides spare and replacement
parts by Competitors only during competition time. Exceptions are
announced by the Chief Expert.
Health, Safety, and • The Team of Experts will ensure the working place for all
Environment Competition Teams fulfil healthy and safety requirements prior to the
Competition start.
Infrastructure • Working places are equipped with sufficient electrical and air supply
• Competitors are allowed to check/prepare air infrastructure during
Familiarization Day;
Supervision of • It is done by the Team of Experts

Competitors

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7 Skill-specific safety requirements
7.1 Personal Protective Equipment

Refer to WorldSkills Health, Safety, and Environment Policy and Regulations for Host country or
region regulations.
Module Safety Safety Sturdy Tight Ear

glasses shoes shoes fitting protection
with side with work
protection protective clothes
cap (long
trousers)
General PPE for √ √

safe areas
During working/ √ √ √
commissioning
time in the
workshop
During drilling, √ √ √
cutting, and using
electrical
screwdrivers
When Experts and √ √ √

interpreters
entering the
Competitor's
workstation
During Modules √
execution, if the
environment is too
loud

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8 Materials and equipment
8.1 Infrastructure List

The Infrastructure List details all equipment, materials, and facilities provided by the Competition
Organizer.
The Infrastructure List is available at www.worldskills.org/infrastructure.
The Infrastructure List specifies the items and quantities requested by the Skill Management Team
for the next Competition. The Competition Organizer will progressively update the Infrastructure
List specifying the actual quantity, type, brand, and model of the items. Note that in some cases
details of specific materials and/or manufacturer specifications may remain secret and will not be
released prior to the Competition. These items may include those for fault finding modules or
modules not circulated.
At each Competition, the Skill Management Team must review and update the Infrastructure List in
preparation for the next Competition. The Skill Competition Manager must advise the Director of
Skills Competitions of any increases in space and/or equipment.
At each Competition, the Technical Observer must audit the Infrastructure List that was used at that
Competition for the upcoming WorldSkills Competition.
The Infrastructure List does not include items that Competitors and/or Experts are required to bring
and items that Competitors are not allowed to bring – they are specified below.
8.2 Competitors toolbox

Competitors are not allowed to send a toolbox to the Competition. All tools are provided by the
Competition Organizer.
8.3 Materials, equipment, and tools supplied by Competitors

Competitors are only allowed to bring the personal tools as defined in the table below on the
morning of C-2 Familiarization Day. It is recommended that these tools be brought in the luggage of
the Competitor or purchased locally.
Description Quantity Photo
Combination Pliers VDE Certified Grip 180 mm 1
Nose Side Cutting Pliers VDE Certified Grip 1

160 mm

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Description Quantity Photo
Retractable Blade Knife 1
Cable outer isolation remover tool 1
Diagonal Cutting Pliers VDE Certified Grip 180 1

mm
Screwdriver, flat, 2.5 x 75; 4.0 x 100; 6.5; 1.2 - 1 set

1.6
Allen screwdriver, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5 - 8 1 set
Torx 1 set
• Competitors are able to provide own computers and tablets;

• Each Team may bring monitors (with suitable video cables) to connect PC(s) to them. Preferable
Monitor size is 24” due to the same interpretation of the tasks’ results
• Each Team may bring USB keyboard and mouse (one participant – one PC)
Competitors are required to supply their own Personal Protective Equipment as specified in the
Section 7 “Skill-Specific Safety Requirements” of this document.

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8.4 Materials, equipment, and tools supplied by Experts
Experts are required to supply their own Personal Protective Equipment as specified in section 7
skill-specific safety requirements.
Experts are responsible that Interpreters bring their PPE.
• In case Experts have to supply something, this is announced on the WorldSkills Discussion
Forum at least one (1) month prior to the Competition.
8.5 Materials and equipment prohibited in the skill area

Competitors and Experts are prohibited to bring any materials or equipment not listed in section 8.3
and section 8.4.
• Competitors are not allowed to use prepared cables and tubes;

• The use of knives is prohibited due to the risk of injury;
8.6 Proposed workshop and workstation layouts

Workshop layouts from previous competitions are available at www.worldskills.org/sitelayout.
Example workshop layout

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9 Skill-specific rules
9.1 General notes

Skill-specific rules cannot contradict or take priority over the Competition Rules. They do provide
specific details and clarity in areas that may vary from skill competition to skill competition. This
includes but is not limited to personal IT equipment, data storage devices, Internet access,
procedures and workflow, and documentation management and distribution. Breaches of these
rules will be solved according to the Issue and Dispute Resolution procedure including the Code of
Ethics and Conduct Penalty System.
9.2 Skill-specific rules

Use of technology – • Competitors are allowed to use memory sticks provided

USB, memory sticks exclusively by the Chief Expert.
• The name of each Competitors is clearly indicated on the USB,
delivered to the Team by the Chief Expert.
• Memory sticks or any other portable memory devices provided
by the Chief Expert cannot be taken outside the workshop.
• Memory sticks or other portable memory devices are to be
submitted to the Chief Expert at the end of each module for safe
keeping.
Use of technology – • Skill Competition Manager, Chief Expert, Experts, and

personal computers, Interpreters are allowed to use personal laptops, tablets, and
laptops, tablets, and mobile phones in the Expert room only. If these are brought into
mobile phones the workshop, then they must be locked in the locker each day
and can only be removed from the workshop at the end of C4.
This rule is valid for C-3 until C4
• Competitors are allowed to bring tablets and/or mobile phones
into the workshop only during the Smart Maintenance part of the
competition exclusively if they are needed for a module(s)
execution and if the Chief Expert allows it. If these items are
brought at other time then they must be locked in the personal
locker and can only be removed at lunchtime and at the end of
each day.
• Each Competition Team is responsible for bringing suitable PCs
(one participant – one PC, plus one extra PC, as a spare one)
for the sole purpose of competition (programming and managing
chosen hardware). The PCs will be controlled on C-2 and then
stored into the appropriate locker in the “Workshop Manager
Room”
• Experts and Interpreters are allowed to use personal laptops in
the Expert room only. If these are brought into the workshop,
then they must be locked in the locker each day and can only be
removed from the workshop at the end of C4. This rule is valid
for C-3 until C4.

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Use of technology – • Skill Competition Manager, Chief Expert, Competitors, Experts,

personal photo and and Interpreters are allowed to use personal photo and video
video taking devices taking devices in the workshop at the conclusion of the
competition on C4 only.
Use of technology: • Any electronic device, allowing any kind of audio/video

Other electronic communication or taking photos/videos, is not allowed on the
devices complete workshop area, from C-2 until the end of C4
• If the Competitors bring their own electronic devices to the
workshop, those must be locked immediately in the teams’
lockers in the Competitors’ room.
Communication • Communication is allowed in non-written form, either in English

between Experts and or in local language (with an Interpreter from/to English), with
Competitors presence of at least one additional Expert
Language for • Any written Test Project documentation must be in English.

documentation Grammar won’t be assessed, but the design (layout, user
friendliness) of the document.
Organization of work • Competitors may freely organize their own working place
Area
Technical failure at • The task time will be stopped for that team
workshop/Competition • The technical issue will be evaluated by a technical support
team area team member, with the presence of the Chief Expert as well as
the compatriot Expert
• If the technical issue is approved not to be caused by the
Competitors, the Competitors will be granted extension of time
• If the technical issue is approved to be caused by the
Competitors, they won’t be granted with an extension of time

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10 Visitor and media engagement
10.1 Engagement methods

Following is a list of possible ways to maximize visitor and media engagement:
• Display screens: Some web cameras could be dispatched on the Competition area and show
details of the module to the public and on a website;
• Test Project descriptions;
• Competitors:
◦ Enhanced understanding of activity;
◦ Profiles
◦ Status Daily Report.

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11 Sustainability
11.1 Sustainable practices

This skill competition will focus on the sustainable practices below:
• Recycling;
• Use of “green” materials;
• Use of completed Test Projects after Competition;
• Transmission of the Test Project digitally to the Competitor’s computer immediately before starting
the module.

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12 References for industry consultation
12.1 General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the
dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this
WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the
draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly
cycle.
In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:
• ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
• ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
• O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)
12.2 References
These two roles relate most closely to Mechatronic Technician:
http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/edf2e989-d7c5-496e-b365-81fc5cb9eb39
and a technician version of Mechatronics Engineers:
http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/a7c1d23d-aeca-4bee-9a08-5993ed98b135
And to IT System Developer:
http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/a7c1d23d-aeca-4bee-9a08-5993ed98b135
and Software Developers, Systems Developers:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1133.00 .
ILO 3115 and 2511
The following table indicates which organizations were approached and provided valuable
feedback for the Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards in
place for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
Organization Contact name
Rogers Germany GmbH Johannes Strößner, Deputy Industrial Training Manager

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13 Appendix
13.1 Appendix information

Not applicable.

33 of 33

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Technical Description

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

1.1 Name and description of the skill competition

• variety and individualization in products and services;

• One participant is a Mechatronic/Mechanic/Electrotechnical/Automation Technician (ME)

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

1.2 The relevance and significance of this document

1.3 Associated documents

• WSI – Code of Ethics and Conduct

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2.1 General notes on the WSOS

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

1 Work organization and management 5

The individual needs to know and understand:

The individual shall be able to:

2 Communication and interpersonal skills 5

The individual needs to know and understand:

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

• Standards and protocols for communicating electronically and in

The individual shall be able to:

3 Design, assembly, and commissioning 20

The individual needs to know and understand:

The individual shall be able to:

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

• Design systems for the automation and communication of

4 Software design and implementation 20

The individual needs to know and understand:

The individual shall be able to:

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

• Consult with others to define and resolve problems in running

5 Networking and cyber security 20

The individual needs to know and understand:

The individual shall be able to:

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

• Review violations of procedures and take steps to prevent their

6 Testing, maintenance, and fault-finding 15

The individual needs to know and understand:

The individual shall be able to:

7 Enhancement and optimization 10

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

The individual needs to know and understand:

The individual shall be able to:

8 Analysis, evaluation, and reporting 5

The individual needs to know and understand:

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• The content, structure and presentation for reports serving

The individual shall be able to:

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

3.1 General guidance

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

4.1 General guidance

4.2 Assessment Criteria

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

4.3 Sub Criteria

4.5 Assessment and marking

WSC2024_TD48_en © WorldSkills International. All rights reserved

4.7 Assessment and marking using Measurement

4.8 The use of Measurement and Judgement

4.9 Skill assessment strategy and procedures

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