New Course Leverages Widely Used PLM Software to Train Students to Fill Job Growth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fueled by Revitalization of the U.S. Manufacturing Industry
PLANO, Texas, April 19, 2012 - Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, and Oakland University’s Industrial Systems Engineering Department (ISE), today announced a new PLM course offering that will help prepare students for the growing job opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) being fueled by the revitalization of the U.S. manufacturing industry. The new course, which is being introduced for the upcoming fall semester, leverages the same advanced PLM software technology in the classroom that leading, innovative companies around the world depend on every day to design and produce their products.

According to a 2011 report from the United States Department of Commerce, “Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs. STEM workers are also less likely to experience joblessness than their non-STEM counterparts. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workers play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy, and are a critical component to helping the U.S. win the future.”

The new PLM course’s instructor, Dr. Patrick Hillberg, Solution Architect for Siemens PLM Software and ISE Department Adjunct Professor for Oakland University, will focus on manufacturing technology, using NX™ software, Siemens PLM Software’s solution for integrated computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE), and Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management system. The course’s software is provided through Siemens PLM Software’s GO PLM™ initiative (GO PLM) that provides PLM technology to more than one million students yearly at more than 11,000 global institutions, where it is used at every academic level – from grade schools to graduate engineering research programs.

Together, Siemens PLM Software and Oakland University will provide hands-on advanced technology training to manage a specific products’ entire lifecycle, from conception, design and manufacture, to its service and disposal. The course also highlights the integration of people, data, processes and business systems within companies and their extended enterprise – something PLM software makes possible.

"We are excited to be working with Siemens PLM Software to develop this new PLM course and use industry-leading technology in the classroom. We believe it will be valuable to both our students and to engineers currently in the workforce," said Professor Robert Van Til, ISE Department Chair. “The hands-on training along with industry expertise provides the right skill set for recruitment and investment in our local community. Not only that, but we are also contributing on a broad level to the U.S. manufacturing revitalization effort.”

“Through our GO PLM program $34 million in-kind software grant last year, we provided software for students and educators that is the same manufacturing technology currently being used by leading multi-national manufacturing companies,” said Bill Boswell, senior director, partner strategy, Siemens PLM Software. “The experience gained better prepares students for today’s highly competitive job market that requires deep knowledge of modern technologies and tools.”

GO PLM Program
Siemens PLM Software’s GO PLM program leads the industry in the commercial value of the in-kind grants it provides and brings together four complementary community involvement programs focused on academic partnership, regional productivity, youth and displaced worker development and the PACE (Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education) program. GO PLM provides PLM technology to more than one million students yearly at more than 11,000 global institutions, where it is used at every academic level – from grade schools to graduate engineering research programs. For more information on GO PLM and the partners and programs it supports visit www.siemens.com/partners/goplm.