CLOUD

CONCORD, MA -- SolidWorks Corporation today unveiled the SolidWorks Retraining Program, which is the first computer-aided design (CAD) industry program to give unemployed design engineers around the world a fresh start. The program provides displaced engineers and designers with previous CAD experience a free 6-month license of SolidWorks software to hone their skills. SolidWorks and its participating value-added resellers (VARs) will prepare unemployed engineers for new jobs by giving them SolidWorks software experience, the most-requested 3D CAD skill on the world's largest employment Web site, Monster.com. SolidWorks has consistently ranked as the 3D CAD technology experience that employers seek most in job postings on the Web site. "This is an excellent opportunity for SolidWorks and its reseller channel to provide engineers with the time, resources, and state-of-the-art skills that will help them re-enter the job market," said David Darbyshire, vice president of Microsolid Solutions, a SolidWorks reseller. "SolidWorks has set the standard for mainstream 3D CAD technology that shortens design time and the time it takes to get products to market. Being proficient in SolidWorks gives job applicants a leg up in their searches because those are the skills employers are looking for." SolidWorks will respond to the demand for skilled, SolidWorks-trained engineers by working with its resellers and educational institutions to provide unemployed designers with access to training and certification testing on using SolidWorks. "3D CAD skills are driving the engineering market," said Salvador Zamora, senior mechanical designer at medical devices manufacturer, Mission Medical, Inc. "Becoming a Certified SolidWorks Professional made the difference in my career. The training I received gave me the skills that my employers sought, which gave me an advantage over other job applicants." SolidWorks will work with unemployment agencies, VARs, and educational institutions to identify displaced engineers interested in taking advantage of the program. Engineers and designers with previous CAD experience who want to learn SolidWorks must fill out an application to determine eligibility. The application is available upon request from SolidWorks at retraining@solidworks.com. SolidWorks will provide qualified applicants with a free 6-month license of SolidWorks software, providing the time to practice product design and develop the expertise to become a competitive candidate in the job market. After becoming proficient in SolidWorks software, engineers will have the opportunity to become Certified SolidWorks Professionals, ensuring potential employers that they are fully qualified to use SolidWorks software in their professional careers. "The economy has changed the entire job market, including the design engineering industry," said John McEleney, CEO of SolidWorks. "As the leader in mainstream solid modeling, we have devoted ourselves to consistently meeting customer needs. But we also have an obligation to help the community at large. We're committed to giving displaced engineers the training and the software they need to acquire the skills that will help them compete in a tough job market and help rebuild a thriving economy." For more information about the program send email to retraining@solidworks.com. The SolidWorks Retraining Program expires December 31, 2002.