Vocational education plays a vital role in the development of skilled technical professionals and the advancement of the economy. However, the emphasis on campus education often neglects the importance of external training, hindering the overall development of vocational education. This study aims to address this issue by exploring the design and development of small modular courses that integrate training and education in vocational colleges, focusing on the mechanics course as a case study. The research methods employed in this study include an in-depth analysis of enterprise training needs, the development of digital teaching resources utilizing the finite element method (FEM), and the implementation of a small modular course integrating education and training. The data analysis reveals positive outcomes in terms of learners’ comprehension and engagement with complex mechanics formulas through the use of stress nephograms and other digital resources. This research provides a new perspective on curriculum design and offers insights into the integration of training and education in vocational colleges. The findings underscore the significance of incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and digital resources in enhancing the quality and relevance of vocational education, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of skilled professionals and the growth of the vocational education sector.

A skills competition is an activity that showcases students’ skills, practical ability, and innovation in the form of a competition. Skills competitions not only allow students to showcase their professional and practical skills but also cultivate their innovation skills and enhance their interest in learning. This paper reviews the research results of previous scholars and proposes that skills competitions play an important role in enhancing professional knowledge learning. The benefits of skills competition participation in learning are studied from four dimensions. Six targeted suggestions are then proposed to enhance the effectiveness of skills competition preparation. The research results of this paper can be used as a reference for the preparation of the skills competition.

This paper addresses the problems faced in programmable logic controller (PLC) teaching in vocational colleges and proposes countermeasures to overcome these challenges. The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts and the integration of practical application in PLC education. It suggests involving students in teacher-led projects to enhance their programming skills and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of interactive learning and collaborative discussions to foster student engagement. Furthermore, it emphasizes the cultivation of innovation consciousness through participation in innovation competitions and projects. The implementation of these strategies has shown positive results in improving learning outcomes and preparing students for careers in automation and control. This research contributes to the development of effective teaching approaches in PLC education in vocational colleges.

The Engineering Mechanics course has great significance in vocational education as it affects the quality of subsequent specialized courses, such as mechanical design, control technology, and automation. However, the teaching quality of Engineering Mechanics in vocational colleges has been subpar due to the extensive knowledge points, abstract concepts, complex formulas, and other factors. This paper aims to elucidate the early-stage research conducted by scholars and analyze the primary issues in the teaching of Engineering Mechanics. Furthermore, we provide five concrete suggestions to improve the teaching quality of this course. The findings of this study may serve as a reference for innovating the teaching model of Engineering Mechanics in vocational colleges.

In view of the problem of poor quality of Material Mechanics experiment teaching, this paper puts forward a method of using simulation technology to assist teaching. In order to solve students’ learning doubts about bending deformation of H-beam, the research team established a geometric model together with students. Based on the geometric model, a finite element model of three-point bending was established. Bending deformation behavior of beams under different pressures was simulated, and rich digital teaching resources such as Mises stress nephograms and animations were obtained. These nephograms and animations have effectively solved students’ learning doubts. The introduction of computational finite element technology into the teaching of Material Mechanics is an innovation of teaching methods. On the one hand, rich digital resources can clearly and intuitively display boring mechanical concepts. On the other hand, the application of simulation technology not only improves students’ interest in learning, arouses their enthusiasm in learning, but also expands their knowledge. The application of finite element technique in Material Mechanics should be further explored.

To address the problems of low positioning accuracy, slow braking response, and low efficiency of the traditional five-axis turntable A-axis in high-efficiency machining, this paper proposes an innovative A-axis structure featuring a dual-station, dual-spindle design, a T-shaped layout, and a copper-brake hydraulic braking system for advanced manufacturing. When combined with direct-drive motor matching and finite-element optimization, the design significantly improves the dynamic performance and structural stability of the turntable. The experimental results show that the axial positioning accuracy reaches 3 arcseconds, the braking response time is 0.3 seconds, and the table changing efficiency is increased by 40%. The design meets the requirements of high-precision, high-efficiency intelligent manufacturing and provides technical support for the engineering application of high-performance equipment in the aerospace and auto-parts industries.