Siemens Digital Industries Software has launched a new programme to provide credentials to students and recognise career readiness, in the hope of creating a stronger pipeline of engineering talent, as demanded by industry. The Siemens credentials are intended to supplement a formal degree by validating industry knowledge and skills.
As part of the programme, specific credentials will be piloted as the first industry credentials to be recognized by ABET, a nonprofit, non-governmental agency responsible for accrediting programmes in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. The ABET quality evaluation process will ensure Siemens’ credentials meet the defined standards of quality and address areas with skill gaps to prepare the future engineering workforce.
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‘We are proud to pilot with Siemens as our first partner in review and recognition of industry credentials,’ said Jessica Silwick, COO and CFO of ABET. ‘As a global leader in quality assurance for technical education, ABET supports Siemens’ vision of empowering the future workforce with digital mindsets and skillsets. We are excited to be partnering on this innovative approach to education through credentials.’
‘The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report highlights 60 per cent of businesses are holding back on transforming their business because of the skills gap in their local labour market,’ said Dora Smith, senior director, Global Academic and Startup Program, Siemens Digital Industries Software. ‘The launch of Siemens’ credential programme strives to combat this issue by providing the future workforce with industry-recognised credentials, addressing talent acquisition needs and creating a stronger talent pipeline.’
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Through a strategic collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder, Siemens’ first credential pilot for ABET recognition will help to increase impact and opportunities for students. CU-Boulder, with support and subject expertise from Siemens, will offer a graduate credential programme consisting of nine courses that will be globally available through Coursera. The first two courses, Sustainability and the Circular Economy and Applied Sustainability Engineering, are live, with additional courses set to launch later this year. Topics will include leading the circular business, sustainable supply chains and operations management, product and packaging design for the circular economy, and leveraging consumer demand for sustainable business practice, among others.
‘Partnering with Siemens Digital Industries Software to develop a credential focused on applied sustainability enables us to create a future that provides both economic success and a more enduring, resilient and sustainable planet,’ said Christy Bozic, faculty director, Engineering Management Program, University of Colorado Boulder. ‘Siemens is a leader in sustainability, and combining our academic and industry expertise through this credential will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainability into engineering design and processes, benefiting both companies and society as a whole.’
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Siemens also will collaborate on a credential for the future workforce with the Pennsylvania State University. Penn State plans to launch a series of four credential courses for engineering career preparation, integrating Siemens’ content and expertise into the learning experience. Topics will include smart manufacturing, project management, business acumen and inclusive leadership.
‘We are delighted to join forces with Siemens Digital Industries Software to empower learners with industry knowledge and career readiness skills that will enable them to enter the workforce prepared for success,’ said Meg Handley, associate director of engineering leadership undergraduate programmes at the School of Engineering Design and Innovation, Penn State University. ‘In today’s ever-evolving world of engineering and technology, it is crucial for students not only to apply their learning within an industry environment but also to adapt to and lead change. By collaborating with Siemens, we are equipping the future workforce with critical skills and knowledge that industry employers require.’
According to Siemens, as technology continues to advance, requiring new skills for emerging roles, these programmes ensure students are prepared with the knowledge and confidence they need as they transition from university to workforce.
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You can find more about Siemens’ credentials for industry and how it’s working with commercial and academic partners to develop the workforce of the future here.