Siemens Canada Signs MOUs on Mechatronics Programs with Seneca and Sheridan Colleges

Siemens Canada has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Seneca College and Sheridan College. These MOU signings focus on Mechatronics programs and strengthens cooperation between Siemens and Canadian colleges and universities.

The Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program is a comprehensive industry skills certification offered together with partner schools worldwide. A central theme is the System Approach, a special set of teaching and learning methods developed over 25 years in Siemens technical schools in Germany.

Mechatronics is the integration of mechanics, electronics, control and systems theory, and computers into a single system used within production and manufacturing, to optimize its efficiency, productivity, and quality. First developed at Siemens' " Technik Akademie Berlin "  in Germany, Siemens Canada will now locally provide a three – level Mechatronics certification program to students in collaboration with universities and colleges across Canada. Mechatronics-related technical fields include Automation Technology, Robotics Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Process and Controls and Electro-Mechanical Technology. The focus of Siemens' Mechatronics certification program specialized technical content is to provide a wide-range of skills in systems troubleshooting and technical decision-making.

Educational institutes' partnership for the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program is based on cooperation through activities in program development, research, and teaching. This collaboration recognizes the schools as a certified Siemens education partner. Collaboration opportunities with the Siemens Academy  advances and promotes Mechatronics education on a local, national, and international level, and allows access to a global network of Mechatronics and advanced technology educators and industry partners.

With its emphasis on in-demand industrial skills, troubleshooting, and hands-on practice, this program's training will provide the Canadian workforce with knowledgeable, highly-skilled workers, who are able to easily move into a variety of production, technician, and/or engineering roles. Mechatronics certifications provide industry-aligned assessment of mechanical, electrical, and digital technical skills, troubleshooting, and mechatronic systems-thinking. With this certification, companies and industries can employ skilled technical workers while drawing on local education and training resources via partner schools.

These MOU signings are one part of The Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy (SCETA), headed by Dr. Tom Murad. The Academy was formed to enhance training and certification for tomorrow's highly skilled workforce, fostering future innovation and developing economic activity in Canada. In 2014, Siemens signed five educational collaboration MOUs with Canadian institutes of higher education – the University of Waterloo, McMaster, Mohawk College, the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, predominantly focused partnerships on the SCETA's Dual-Education Program as well as the Mechatronics certification program.

QUOTES

• "It is very important for Siemens to create a culture of continuous learning. Today's MOU signings reconfirms Siemens' commitment to education and training that is supported and driven by key partnerships with Canadian colleges, universities and government."
  Robert Hardt, President and CEO, Siemens Canada Limited
• "We are proud to be expanding Seneca's relationship with Siemens, an industry leader around the globe. This agreement will allow our students to benefit from their expertise, receive highly-specialized training and have increased experiential learning opportunities."
  David Agnew, President, Seneca College
• "This partnership enhances Sheridan's ability to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and additional pathways for career success.  As a partner in the Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification program, our Electromechanical Engineering graduates will qualify to write an additional exam to gain this globally-recognized, professional credential soon after graduation – something that's especially important for our growing population of international students.  Our partnership also opens the doors for increased collaboration with Siemens Canada in the form of guest lectures, workshops, co-op placements, and engineering internships."
  Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President and CEO, Sheridan College