Norwegian education adds a third dimension

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 21, 2005

Schools across Norway are to teach 3D CAD to students aged 14 to 18 using SolidWorks Education Edition software.

Renate, a national centre in Norway founded by The Ministry of Education and Research, has purchased up to 30,000 licences of SolidWorks 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 autumn of 2006, a total of approximately 1300 schools across Norway will begin to teach 3D CAD to students aged 14 to 18.

The strong maths and science focus of the programme 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 co-operation 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 programme 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 Centre 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 visualise, 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 programme is a far-reaching initiative with a bold mission of revitalising 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 authorised SolidWorks reseller Pronor for ongoing software training, implementation and support.