3D design software and PLM solutions leader Dassault Systèmes has announced the setting up of the first of its kind SolidWorks Authorized Training Centre (SATC) Programme. The effort will offer organised SolidWorks training to increase the size of the certified SolidWorks community in India. Dassault Systèmes plans to set up 50 such training centers across the country over the next 5 months.

SATC will be set up with the help of the SolidWorks extensive reseller community in India.  Private training institutes will be encouraged to set up SATCs across the country. The SATCs will be offered the SolidWorks EDU (Private career) licenses on a subscription basis. SATCs shall be offering Solidworks standard training course content with the help of certified trainers -Certified Solidworks Associate (CSWA)/Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP)/Certified SolidWorks Instructor (CSWI).

The SATCs will offer courses to engineering college students, as well as technical training institutes. The programmes will also be available for professionals who are looking to upskill. The basic qualification shall be Intermediate (10+2) course.  With these programmes, Dassault Systèmes aims at creating 15,000 SolidWorks trained professionals each year in India.

According to TechNavio, the Computer-aided Design (CAD) market in India is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 13.5 percent over the period 2011-2015. The country requires suitably skilled talent to address this growth opportunity. Announcing the launch of this programme in India Ken Clayton, Vice President-Worldwide Sales, SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes said, "I am delighted at this global first that Solidworks in India has achieved with the roll out of the SATC programme. SolidWorks is keen to support the nation's agenda of bridging the sharp skills gap which the country is currently facing."

The SATCs will additionally open another revenue growth channel for Dassault Systèmes' professional partner channel in India. The VARs shall be responsible for the qualification and appointment of an SATC. They will provide advanced training, as well as maintenance and technical support for the SATCs.

Expressing his delight at the launch of the programme in India, Dr Chandan Chowdhury, Managing Director-India, Dassault Systèmes stated, "Along with our efforts at creating a skill pool in the country, I am happy at the opportunity which has been created for our partners in the country. The programme will give our partners the opportunity to tap into a vast market as they deliver a key national requirement. This program will positively influence the employability of our nation and also increase the ability of SolidWorks customers to more effectively leverage technology in increasing their competitiveness.
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