Preparing Students for Global Manufacturing Industry With Siemens PLM Software Grants

May 8, 2013 - PRLog -- DEARBORN, Mich. and PLANO, Texas,—Today’s students are faced with a very competitive workforce, one that may require both academic proficiency and technical skills; therefore, having access to programs that utilize industry-leading technologies enables students to enhance their credentials for future opportunities. The SME Education Foundation (http://www.smeef.org/) makes it possible for academic institutions to offer their students the opportunity to use the latest state-of-the-art PLM (product lifecycle management) tools from Siemens and ultimately help fill the skill gaps in high-demand technical fields.
Siemens PLM Software (http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/academic/index.shtml), a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, and the SME Education Foundation have grants available for academic licenses of PLM software. Institutions that receive a grant will have access to unlimited seats of any Siemens’ PLM software bundle, free center-based training, discount online learning, free upgrades and technical support.

The range of software includes Siemens PLM Software’s Teamcenter® portfolio, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management software, Tecnomatix® portfolio, the industry-leading digital manufacturing software, NX™ software, a leading integrated solution for computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) and Solid Edge® software, the most complete hybrid 2D/3D CAD system.

The grants provide access to PLM technology, which otherwise would be out of reach for the academic community. This can give students a distinct advantage by being able to use the same PLM technology widely-used by leading multi-national manufacturing companies around the globe. The experience gained in the use of these tools enables students to better prepare themselves for opportunities in today’s highly-competitive advanced manufacturing job market.

“Since 2008, through the generosity of Siemens, we have been able to grant more than $400 million in software to high schools and universities throughout the U.S. (including one school in Australia),” says Bart A. Aslin, CEO, SME Education Foundation.  “These grants allow students to learn using some of the latest cutting-edge software available on the market today.”

Siemens PLM Software’s solutions are a powerful enhancement to every level of curriculum. Undergraduate and graduate students can use the software to acquire skills in simulation, robotics, manufacturing processes, facilities planning and product data management. Secondary students are engaged in activities that will enhance their high school experience and encourage them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

“Siemens PLM Software is pleased to provide this software through the SME Education Foundation so students can leverage the same technology used by leading multi-national manufactur­ing companies” said Bill Boswell, senior director, partner strategy, Siemens PLM Software. “It allows them to gain the technical experience needed in a highly competitive job market that requires deep knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.”

Applying for a Siemens PLM Software Grant:
Siemens PLM Software grant (http://www.smeef.org/grants/) applications will be evaluated based on school size, academic program content, program exposure, community impact and financial need. A typical grant involves in-kind contributions of PLM software for a set period of time, including support and upgrades covered by the grant. Extensive training materials are also available. For more information and access to the online grant application, visit www.smeef.org/grants. (http://www.smeef.org/grants)

About the SME Education Foundation:
The SME Education Foundation is committed to inspiring, supporting and preparing the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists in the advancement of manufacturing education. Created by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has provided more than $33 million since 1980 in grants, scholarships and awards through its partnerships with corporations, organizations, foundations and individual donors. Visit www.smeef.org; also visit www.CareerMe.org for information on advanced manufacturing careers and www.ManufacturingisCool.com, our award-winning website for young people.

Media Contact:
Bart A. Aslin, CEO, SME Education Foundation, 313.425-3300, baslin@sme.org
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Note: Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. Teamcenter, Tecnomatix, NX and Solid Edge are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.