VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Dassault Systmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA)(DSY.PA), the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announced that it has entered into an academic partnership with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to promote statewide education of Dassault Systmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which is widely used by leading aerospace OEMs. The agreement was signed earlier this month at the Farnborough Air Show in England by Gov. Chris Gregoire and Dassault Systmes Philippe Forestier.

We are extremely appreciative of the competitive academic offering that weve received through this partnership with Dassault Systmes, said Gov. Gregoire. The number of aerospace suppliers in the state of Washington has increased by 30 percent since 2005 and relationships like this are critical for us to continue to attract business to the state. I commend our Department of Commerce for their ongoing hard work to develop and expand such important industry collaborations.

Washington has already invested $4.8 million for aerospace training and apprenticeship programs during Gov. Gregoires administration. With this agreement, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is purchasing foundational applications of Dassault Systmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including CATIA and ENOVIA. The platform will be implemented during the 2012-2013 academic year, with 34 of the states two-year colleges each having access to the software. In addition to the software, Dassault Systmes will also provide extensive online training for the personnel who will be teaching the courses.

Our community and technical colleges are knowledge-producers for the aerospace industry, said Charlie Earl, executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. This agreement means more students can take what they learn in the classroom directly into the workplace, without the need for extensive, on-the-job training.

Now CATIA is going to be available to every community and technical college in Washington, including those that were previously unable to afford it, said Mary Kaye Bredeson, executive director of the Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Materials Manufacturing at Everett Community College. Its an important tool to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs in aerospace.

Dassault Systmes understands the enormous value of educating the next generation of innovators in 3DEXPERIENCE, said Monica Menghini, executive vice president, Industry, Dassault Systmes. In support of the growing aerospace industry in Washington State and the more than 92,000 workers employed in this sector, Dassault Systmes recently opened a new office in South Lake Union near Seattle. This office will help support the rollout of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and is the point of contact for the aerospace industry and training program.

This is our first state-wide licensing agreement and we commend the State of Washington for embarking on such an ambitious education program, said Philippe Forestier, executive vice-president of Global Affairs and Communities, Dassault Systmes. This illustrates incredible commitment on their part to developing the most technically proficient aerospace workforce in the world, and we are proud to play a major role in this initiative.

Educators and students interested in the Dassault Systmes software solutions can visit http://www.academy.3ds.com where products and support are offered at special academic pricing.

###

See the original post:

Dassault Systèmes Partners with Washington State to Prepare the Next Generation of Aerospace Innovators