Autodesk Inc., a provider of 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) are partnering to develop the first-ever industry recognized computer aided manufacturing/machining (CAM) standards and credentials. "These standards and credentials will enhance education and training programs to meet 21st century demands for skilled CAM programmers, designers and engineers, which will account for almost 100,000 new jobs by 2024," said a spokesperson.
"To stay competitive, manufacturers must maintain high standards of production at efficient cost while meeting the ever-changing customer demands for their products," continued the spokesperson. "CAM allows manufacturers to efficiently adjust their processes to identify optimal production paths that decrease cycle times, reduce scrapped parts and materials, and improve the quality of finished parts. Skilled CAM programmers, designers and engineers with extensive education and training are in high demand to plan, manage and control these very sophisticated and costly machines."
"Companies in technologically advanced industries are becoming much more reliant on the use of information technology and automation through CAM software to develop high-value added products and materials," said NIMS Executive Director James Wall. "In the next decade, nearly a million jobs will require the technical skills needed to operate CAM software."
This partnership will support the advancement of CAM training programs by developing industry standards for educating and training CAM programmers. To develop these standards, Autodesk and NIMS recruited industry leaders to participate in a Technical Work Group. The Technical Work Group kick-off meeting was recently held at AutoDesk headquarters in San Francisco, CA. Industry experts from major companies, including Google, NASA, DMG MORI, Haas Automation, Delcam, Parker Hannifin/Sandia National Laboratory and Monkey Likes Shiny, participated in the session and will lead the Technical Work Group.
"Autodesk is committed to providing students with the education and technical skills necessary to operate CAM software," said Director of Industry and Learning Strategy, Autodesk Education, George Abraham. "To support this effort, Autodesk provides CAM software for free to educational institutions and students. Partnering with NIMS in the development of industry recognized CAM standards and credentials is the next step in our commitment to preparing the future generation of skilled CAM programmers, designers and engineers."
After development of the skills standards, NIMS will conduct a rigorous national validation process, holding regional reviews of the standards by industrial professionals, before releasing the standards to the public.
For more information contact:
NIMS
10565 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 203
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-352-4971
support@nims-skills.org
www.nims-skills.org
www.nimsready.org
Autodesk, Inc.
111 McInnis Parkway
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-507-5000
www.autodesk.com