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The Norwegian Education System Purchases Up to 30,000 Licenses of SolidWorks Software to Bolster Country's Manufacturing Industry

Posted on: Monday, 19 September 2005, 09:00 CDT

More than 60,000 junior high school and high school students to learn CAD skills as SolidWorks becomes the most widely taught CAD software in the Nordic region

RENATE, a national center in Norway founded by The Ministry of Education and Research, has purchased up to 30,000 licenses of SolidWorks(R) Education Edition software to teach more than 60,000 junior high school and high school students engineering fundamentals and reinvigorate the country's manufacturing industry. Starting in the fall of 2006, a total of approximately 1,300 schools across Norway will begin to teach 3D CAD to students aged 14 to 18. The strong math and science focus of the program will integrate lessons in 3D mechanical design skills to help the students cultivate their interest in design and engineering as well as math and science careers at an early age.

In close cooperation with industry, schools, colleges and universities, RENATE's mission is to strengthen mathematics, natural sciences and technology education throughout the country. The Technology and Design program seeks to attract students to engineering careers and grow Norway's skilled engineering profession, which has suffered in the past decade from a decreasing interest at the university level. "The number of students that have abandoned bachelor's degrees in engineering has increased in the past 10 years because students have complained about the curriculum being dull," said RENATE Center Director Odd Lauritzen. "SolidWorks' ease of use and learning will help students begin exploring engineering creativity at an early age, so the seeds will be planted for successful college programs and productive careers."

After evaluating several CAD packages, RENATE chose SolidWorks because its short learning curve allows high school students to quickly understand product design principles so they can begin honing their 3D skills in just a few days. "Rather than being frustrated by trying to learn difficult software, they'll be quickly rewarded with beautiful 3D models that they can visualize, modify, and perfect," said Lauritzen.

RENATE also chose SolidWorks because it is the preferred design tool in many manufacturing facilities throughout Norway and the Nordic region. Students with SolidWorks experience will have a valuable advantage when looking for jobs.

This fall, RENATE will begin a staff development program for teachers at each of the participating schools on how to use and teach SolidWorks. The software will be incorporated in the schools' curricula the following year.

"The Technology and Design program is a far-reaching initiative with a bold mission of revitalizing Norway's manufacturing industry," said SolidWorks Corporation Executive Vice President for Europe Michel Gros. "We applaud the decision to take this proactive step to realign its science, math, engineering, and technology disciplines at the secondary school level. The SolidWorks Education Edition engages students' interest in engineering, and provides a real-world stepping stone to mastering skills that they'll use professionally. This commitment to modern teaching and learning will have an enduring impact on Norway's economic future."

RENATE relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller PRONOR for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

About RENATE

RENATE, the National Center for Contact with Working Life for the Promotion of the Natural Sciences and Technology (in Norway), works in close cooperation with industry, schools, colleges, and universities to strengthen the position of mathematics, the natural sciences, and technology in society. The Center's mission is also to promote the percentage of females working in the natural sciences and technology or studying these subjects. An important goal for The Center is to insure that technology (Technology and Design) including use of 3D, will have a proper place in the Norwegian school system in the years to come. For more information visit the Web site at www.renatesenteret.no.

About PRONOR

ProNor, a leading CAD/CAM supplier in Norway, has been a SolidWorks VAR since 1996. ProNor has delivered more than 3,000 seats of SolidWorks, and has offices in Jessheim (just north of Oslo), Stavanger, Trondheim, Raufoss and Alesund. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.pronor.com.

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management. It is the #1 supplier of 3D mechanical design software for the mainstream market. SolidWorks leads the market in number of users in production, customer satisfaction, and revenue. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2005 SolidWorks Corporation.

Source: Business Wire

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