Autodesk Inc., the leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) are partnering to develop the first-ever industry recognized Computer Aided Manufacturing/Machining (CAM) standards and credentials.  These standards and credentials will enhance education and training programs to meet 21st century demands for skilled CAM programmers, designers and engineers, which will account for almost 100,000 new jobs by 2024.

To stay competitive, manufacturers must maintain high standards of production at efficient cost while meeting the ever-changing customer demands for their products.  CAM allows manufacturers to efficiently adjust their processes to identify optimal production paths that decrease cycle times, reduce scrapped parts and materials, and improve the quality of finished parts.  Skilled CAM programmers, designers, and engineers with extensive education and training are in high demand to plan, manage, and control these very sophisticated and costly machines. 

“Companies in technologically-advanced industries are becoming much more reliant on the use of information technology and automation through CAM software to develop high-value added products and materials.  In the next decade, nearly a million jobs will require the technical skills needed to operate CAM software,” said NIMS Executive Director, James Wall.

This partnership will support the advancement of CAM training programs by developing industry standards for educating and training CAM programmers.  To develop these standards, Autodesk and NIMS recruited industry leaders to participate in a Technical Work Group.  The Technical Work Group kick-off meeting was held at AutoDesk Headquarters in San Francisco on June 10 – 11, 2015.  Industry experts from major companies including Google, NASA, DMG / MORI Seiki USA, HAAS Automation, Delcam, Parker Hannifin/Sandia National Laboratory, and Monkey Likes Shiny participated in the session and will lead the Technical Work Group.

“CAM software is changing the way companies approach business processes and how educational institutions teach the next generation of programmers and engineers.  It is critical that the skills and knowledge of industry leaders be captured in standards that will serve as the basis for training and educating the future CAM manufacturing workforce,” said Monkey Likes Shiny Owner, Jeff Tiedeken.

“Autodesk is committed to providing students with the education and technical skills necessary to operate CAM software.  To support this effort, Autodesk provides CAM software for free to educational institutions and students.  Partnering with NIMS in the development of industry recognized CAM standards and credentials is the next step in our commitment to preparing the future generation of skilled CAM programmers, designers, and engineers,” said Director of Industry and Learning Strategy, George Abraham.

After development of the skills standards, NIMS will conduct a rigorous national validation process, holding regional reviews of the standards by industrial professionals, before releasing the standards to the public