Free SolidWorks 3D CAD software, training part of 'Engineering Stimulus Package' 

All U.S., Canadian engineers are eligible for skills upgrade training, certification testing. Regional No Engineer Left Behind program extends training.<br/>

By Control Engineering Staff

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Concord, MA – Extending a hand to waves of displaced designers and engineers, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corp.

Called the SolidWorks Engineering Stimulus Package and first announced at SolidWorks World 2009 in February, the program gives free SolidWorks 3D CAD software licenses, training videos and tutorials, networking, certification, and potential job leads to any job seeker living in the U.S. or Canada. DS SolidWorks will also expand this program to other geographical regions in coming months, according to a company spokesman.

The SolidWorks Engineering Stimulus Package includes:

• Software : a 90-day license of the SolidWorks Student Design Kit software for non-commercial use, with tutorials and documentation, plus the SolidWorks eDrawings email-enabled file sharing tool;

• Training : Hands-on test drives and other training from participating SolidWorks value-added resellers (VARs) throughout the United States and Canada;

• Networking : Access to the SolidWorks Customer Portal for support, networking, and discussion; and

• Certification : Free testing to become a Certified SolidWorks Associate ( CSWA ), a credential that documents SolidWorks competence and distinguishes job candidates for selective employers. According to a company spokesman,

Reid Bader operated his own heating and mechanical systemsulation skills are in demand,” he said. “It also has become apparent that SolidWorks is the platform that has critical momentum. I plan on enrolling in the program and becoming a certified expert on the SolidWorks platform.”

“Actively developing high-demand skills can help transform your outlook, instill hope, and qualify you for well-paying careers,” said DS SolidWorks CEO Jeff Ray. “Designers and engineers have placed their trust in DS SolidWorks for the last decade, and this is one way we’re doing our part and giving back.” DS SolidWorks offered a similar retraining program from 2002 to 2007, which attracted more than 16,000 users.


The program is design to help engineers retool their skills at a time when U.S. unemployment is at 8.5% (a 25-year high), 3.3 million jobs have been lost in the last five months, and manufacturing employment fell by 161,000 in March.

Separately, Solidworks recently created greater access to 3D part models through an online repository.

– Edited by Renee Robbins , senior editor
Control Engineering News Desk

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