Page 25 - EngineerIT June 2022

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Autodesk launches “First step in

your career” programme

By Hans van de Groenendaal

“ any recently graduated students are crying out for jobs, while industry is
crying out for suitably qualified people to fill vacancies”, Murat Vesikalik
Msaid in a discussion he and I had about the Autodesk “First step in your
career” programme. “And yet the unemployment rate is very high”, he said.
“We are experiencing the same problem in Turkey and that is why we last year launched
the programme and are now introducing it in South Africa as well.
Many young graduates opt for temporary jobs to tide themselves over until they
can find employment in a career they have studied for and are qualified in. “I found
that jobseekers and employers are not communicating and often have the wrong image
about each other. I hear from young engineers that they are unhappy about what
companies offer”, Murat said. “They expect a higher level of renumeration in line with
the years and money spent on achieving qualifications, yet industries see it differently.
I often hear industry complaining that young people just want to earn a large salary
but do not want to put in the hours. It is like playing the blame game. There is clearly Murat Vesikalik
a disconnect that is adding to the growing unemployment problem and disgruntled
graduates. I believe that more dialogue is required for both sides to gain a better The webinar leaders include:
understanding of each other.” - Cindy Norcott - Motivational speaker,
In some respects, the problem is created by tertiary educators and industry not author, entrepreneur, business coach,
consulting enough about what industry is expecting educational institutions to teach. philanthropist and chairperson of the
Technology is moving fast, and adjusting educational syllabi is a complicated and slow Robin Hood Foundation. She will be
process. In many ways, the concept of teaching the underlying basics followed by a one discussing “What recruiters want.”
or two year internship would meet the expectations from both sides. This is often not - Eric Mentjies - senior vice president,
appreciated by new graduates, many of whom believe that they are just used as cheap engineering, DRA Global, who will
labour, while others again are only too pleased to get the experience while earning a lead the webinar on “What an
stipend. employer wants”
After having had numerous discussions on both sides of the fence, Murat came to - Richard Hansen - managing member,
the conclusion that Autodesk could make a difference and developed the two month Bolt Engineering, will be talking
programme for newly qualified engineers and technicians. about “What a manager wants.”
“Our volunteer-based programme includes technical training, interview techniques,
help with preparing a CV and one-on-one mentoring. The technical training is working Who can apply
on Fusion 360, an Integrated CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software. Graduates from any of the following
disciplines can apply: mechanical,
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modelling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform electrical, electronic, industrial, design,
for product design and manufacturing. It enables users to: manufacturing, mechatronics and
aeronautical engineering who are not
• Design and engineer products to ensure aesthetics, form, fit and function. employed in the field they qualified in
• Reduce the impact of design, engineering and PCB changes and ensure and who graduated in 2019, 2020, 2021
manufacturability with simulation and generative design tools. and 2022 are eligible to apply.
• Directly edit existing features or model fixtures with the only truly integrated CAD + The closing date is 26 June 2022. n
CAM software tool.
For more information visit –
The software is made available free of charge to students and Fusion 360 training is part https://www.autodesk.co.za/first-step-
of the Autodesk outreach programme. in-your-career-program

EngineerIT | June 2022 | 23