SVHEC to use the same technology in its classrooms that companies worldwide depend on to design some of today's most sophisticated products

Today, the SVHEC announced it received an in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software, with a commercial value of $94 million.

The SVHEC will adopt the software for students training in Product Design & Development (a program offered in partnership with Danville Community College), and for use in the R&D Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Energy Efficiency (R&D CAMEE). R&D CAMEE will use Siemens PLM software for workforce training, and to resolve advanced manufacturing product development and process solutions for regional business and industry.

The software adoption gives students and industries across southern Virginia access to the same technology that companies around the world depend on every day to develop innovative products in a wide variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, machinery, shipbuilding, high-tech electronics and many more. Graduates with this type of software training are highly-recruited candidates for advanced technology jobs.

The in-kind grant for the SVHEC includes Siemens PLM Software's Teamcenter® portfolio, the world's most widely used digital lifecycle management software, NX™ software, a leading integrated solution for computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE), and Solid Edge® software, the most complete hybrid 2D/3D CAD system.
"The SVHEC is excited to work with Siemens PLM Software to provide industry-leading tech­nology in the classroom. This partnership strengthens our continuing efforts to meet the needs of employers and prepare students for significant high-paying STEM careers," said Dr. Betty H. Adams, SVHEC executive director.

"Siemens PLM Software is pleased to provide this software to the SVHEC so students can leverage the same technology used by leading multi-national manufactur­ing companies. It allows them to gain the technical experience needed in a highly competitive job market that requires deep knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes," said Bill Boswell, senior director, partner strategy, Siemens PLM Software.

The in-kind grant was provided by Siemens PLM Software's academic program that delivers PLM software technology to more than one million students yearly at more than 11,000 global institutions. The software provided is used at every academic level – from grade schools to graduate engineering research programs.

About the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

The mission of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center is advancing southern Virginia's economic potential through education, innovation, and collaboration. The SVHEC provides educational access and workforce training, and is focused on re-tooling southern Virginia's rural workforce for jobs in the new economy. Established in 1986, the SVHEC is an independent state agency located in two re-purposed tobacco warehouses in the heart of downtown South Boston, VA. For more information call 434-572-5440, or email information@svhec.org.