Responding to a growing need for training in automation systems in Canada and globally, Siemens and Simon Fraser University (SFU) have announced that SFU is the first and only training facility for instructors delivering the globally recognized Level 3 Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification program (SMSCP). Instructors, upon completion of the two-week long training will be qualified to deliver the Level 3 certification mechatronics training, vital for providing students with real-world technical skills, and helping prepare them to thrive in a high-tech world of work. Level 1 and Level 2 faculty training is provided both in-person and remotely by the Siemens Technik Academy in Nuremberg, Germany.
“Simon Fraser University’s School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering takes great pride in our robust partnership with Siemens,” said Dr. John Zheng Shen, Professor and Director, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University. “Over the past six years, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the successful training of over 100 students and industry professionals in both Level 1 and Level 2 certifications despite the significant interruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic. We are delighted to announce that, for the first time, we are offering the Level 3 SMSCP training for instructors, and we are eager to contribute to the development of the global mechatronics workforce through this initiative.”
Mechatronics is the interdisciplinary study of electrical, mechanical, and computing systems. Students study hands-on electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, and explore how these disciplines are interconnected. Using a systems level approach, students develop both the applied skills and theoretical knowledge to build, troubleshoot, and support production and manufacturing. This approach to automation can improve efficiency, productivity, and quality which ultimately decreases time to market. Industries that benefit from mechatronics systems include aerospace, materials processing, machine building, automotive, transportation, building technologies, and mining.
Level 3 certification is the most advanced SMSCP standing and prepares students to be skilled designers of, and experts on, complex mechatronic systems. Graduates will be able to apply selected project and system engineering practices such as requirements engineering, project management, process management, quality assurance, and management to design or improve mechatronic systems in accordance with customer and user needs.
The SMSCP training lab is located at SFU’s Surrey campus and is equipped to train instructors from around the globe.
“We’re thrilled to expand our mechatronics partnership with SFU from student certification to now also offering instructor training right in Canada,” said Joris Myny, Sr. VP Digital Industries, Siemens Canada. “In order to remain competitive in emerging industries such as electric vehicle batteries, we must build up advanced automation training capabilities in Canada, and the instructor training now offered at SFU enables schools to provide students with these opportunities in everything from operation to system design.”
Siemens is the only global industrial company to offer the Mechatronics certification program in cooperation with partner colleges and universities throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. SFU is among a growing group of Canadian higher educational leaders in this international network of advanced technology partners in education and industry.
Learn more about the SMSCP at Simon Fraser University HERE.
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