Siemens' Train the Trainer Event

Published 3rd June 2024

Our curriculum consultant Paul Woodward recently took part in the Siemens ‘Train the Trainer’ event at Rivergate House in Newbury. The three-day event aimed to equip delegates with the tools and knowledge needed to inspire and prepare the next generation of designers and engineers focused on the fundamentals of Solid Edge software. Through live demonstrations, hands-on training and Q&A sessions, the event provided a comprehensive guide for training teachers and whole departments.

What is Solid Edge?

Solid Edge is a professional computer-aided design (CAD) software used for product development and 3D design. Developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software, it combines advanced modelling tools with synchronous technology to provide an efficient design environment. The software also supports collaborative projects, enabling students to work together on designs, share feedback, and learn teamwork and communication skills. It also has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that helps teachers and students quickly learn and navigate the software, making it accessible even for those without a technical background. The software simulates real-world engineering scenarios, helping students understand the practical applications of their classroom learning and preparing them for future careers in engineering and design.

Curriculum consultant Paul Woodward goes on to explain, “The three-day training session was a perfect introduction to Solid Edge and, despite having used the software in the past, I was amazed to discover how many new features we were going to explore through the three days. Doug was a great trainer who made the process easy to understand for all who attended. He went at a pace that covered everything in depth but without getting too technical. Fortunately, most of the attendees were experienced CAD users so, once we had mastered the basics, we were able to explore a few more advanced features.

Day one looked at the basics of modelling using Solid Edge’s proprietary synchronous mode which made CAD modelling as natural as modelling in clay. After years of using ‘ordered’ modelling this was daunting at first, but ultimately rewarding and will really help the workflow of students and professionals alike. The second day looked at more complex assemblies and drafting while the third focused on FEA, generative design and rendering. These are all important capabilities for design engineering and visualisation that most other free software packages don’t include so it was great to see that Solid Edge is offering them all for teachers and students to access free of charge.

Three long, but very interesting days rewarded the attendees with a Solid Edge Fundamentals Course certificate and the confidence to take the skills learnt back to the classroom so that they can pass this knowledge on to their colleagues and students. From D&TA, you can expect to see Solid Edge used in forthcoming units for Inspired by Industry as well as dedicated training courses in the software for teachers…”

Events like these have been designed to give teachers the tools to integrate software commonly used in industry into the classroom.

Solid Edge Academic Technical Manager Doug Stainbrook reflects on the session “It was a great three days of training. It was refreshing to train a small group of professionals that have had prior CAD experience as they could build on that experience and relate it to what we were doing in Solid Edge.

They were able to pick up the Solid Edge workflows very quickly. Because of this experience, there were a lot of deep topics and questions that popped up that we were able to address as we progressed through the training.  I look forward to working with these folks moving forward to see how they will utilize Solid Edge in the classroom and how they will leverage what they learned to teach other educator and students.

For more information on future events like these please contact: amelia.wright@designtechnology.org.uk