PLM vendors have some success helping displaced workers

Over the last year I’ve written a number of posts about vendors offering free or low-cost software and training to laid-off engineers and designers to help them better position themselves for the job market. How has that worked and how many people were actually helped?

Not surprising, the Autodesk Assistance Program has the greatest number of participants, with the latest numbers available showing over 15,000 participants who downloaded close to 20,000 apps. The program is still going on and is now available throughout North America and Europe.

The SolidWorks Engineering Stimulus Package program had the quickest ramp-up, with 9,000 displaced designers and engineers signing up in just 4 months, but it ends soon, so sign up if you need/want to.

Altair Engineering appears to have had the greatest success in helping participants find jobs, reporting that 10% of the more than 250 displaced Michigan engineers who have completed its Professional Workforce Initiative program have obtained employment, some with Altair itself and others with local engineering or manufacturing firms. One interesting factoid: the program appears to have inspired several participants to return to school to pursue advanced degrees in such areas as alternative energy and information systems.

But other vendors also offered varying levels of support and training. CD-adapco, LSTC and others are ready to help — contact them for more information.