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.

By Control Engineering Staff April 7, 2009

No Engineer Left Behind: Fisher/Unitech extends training offer

Fisher/Unitech announced April 6 that it extended its “No Engineer Left Behind” retraining program.

This professional development program, launched in January 2009, aims to help displaced engineers and designers re-enter the marketplace with a more competitive posture. No Engineer Left Behind offers candidates the opportunity to gain industry skills via a three-step process: attend a three-day Introduction to SolidWorks course, receive an evaluation copy of SolidWorks 2009 Office Premium 3D CAD software for skill enhancement and potentially be placed at a Fisher/Unitech customer site for an unpaid 30-day internship.

More than 120 unemployed engineers have taken advantage of this program, with one graduate finding permanent placement due to the internship component, the company says.

Video : The program was featured on WDTN Channel 2 News in Dayton, OH; watch the No Engineer Left Behind video clip on You Tube .

Registration : No Engineer Left Behind is a free service available to displaced workers in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas. Online registration is available . Acceptance into the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, and candidates must meet the qualifications of being displaced within the previous 12 months from a position where they were using either 2D or 3D CAD tools.

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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