Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) has received state-of-the-art manufacturing and product design software with an estimated value of $315 million from Siemens.
CSCU students in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers at four community colleges across the state – Three Rivers, Manchester, Asnuntuck and Gateway – will have access to Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software in their classrooms. The software is being incorporated into day-to-day student coursework and projects related to computer-aided-design, engineering simulation, industrial design, digital manufacturing and manufacturing management. The grant will expand to all of the state’s 12 community colleges over the next 18 months.
“This is great news for our system but especially for our students,” said CSCU President Mark Ojakian. “Our advanced manufacturing centers are providing top quality education to Connecticut residents that prepares them for available, high wage careers in our state. We are grateful for this in-kind grant from Siemens, which enhances the quality of the education experience our students receive.”
“With the fourth industrial revolution underway, manufacturing today is increasingly software-driven. By providing students with hands on experience in industrial design software, we can help empower the next generation of digital talent for success in Connecticut’s high-tech economy,” said Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO of Siemens PLM Software. “Through this partnership, Connecticut’s community college students will gain real-world experience on the same software and technology that’s used by some of Connecticut’s most innovative companies – opening the doors to rewarding STEM-based careers.”
This in-kind grant of NX™ software benefits CSCU students in the advanced manufacturing program and will also be made available through continuing education and youth career development programs.
“The grant will enable our students to gain hands-on experience with the actual software used by Connecticut manufacturers and give them job-ready skills to compete in the resurging advanced manufacturing field,” according to Dave Russell, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Manchester Community College. “This is a fantastic opportunity for MCC and those Connecticut community colleges who integrate this software into their teaching. It will also provide for a better trained workforce in Connecticut, experienced in using some of the best industrial design CAD/CAM/CAE software in the world.”
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