Author: Izabella Smyth

With a focus on boosting productivity in the manufacturing sector, Generative CAD has designed and delivered a programme to address technical know-how and hands-on skills. Nigeria has typically struggled to meet emerging skills demands associated with new developments in the sector.  

Generative CAD recognised an increasing need to equip existing mechanical engineering and electrical/electronic engineering professionals, or those hoping to transition into these fields, with skills to capitalise upon recent developments in the industry. 

Delivered in collaboration with American Corner Ikeja-Lagos, the five-day manufacturing workshop on design and digital manufacturing saw 36 participants trained using Autodesk Fusion 360.  The workshop focused on equipping the participants with the necessary skills to navigate today’s dynamic manufacturing industry.  

“We know that for the manufacturing sector across Nigeria to be productive and effective, it needs to make the most of what digital technologies can offer.  Our nation’s existing and new engineers need the skills and confidence to master what’s coming down the line.  This means that there’s a need to not only up-skill but to also future-skill. 

We recognise there’s a need to deliver training which helps existing and future engineers to develop the practical skills and know-how they need in the workplace.  This programme offered them the opportunity to work in teams to develop and model real-world projects.  Along the way they developed digital manufacturing skills such as design for manufacturing and 3d printing. 

All participants were really positive about the workshops.  I’m confident that this collaboration has given them a solid foundation for developing their careers in the manufacturing sector.” 

Chukwubuikem Felix Amaefule, CEO of Generative CAD

The workshops sessions covered future of work for product designers, introduction to Fusion 360, as well as hands-on digital manufacturing skills such as design for manufacturing and 3d printing. They had the opportunity to work in teams to develop projects and went on to model real world products such as a phone stand and office tabletop stand. These models were also used to illustrate additive and subtractive manufacturing design considerations, understand slicing for 3D printing and product development from design to the first prototype.  

Generative design was also covered.  Participants learnt about new ways of designing and optimising components exploring options and comparing different results.  This allowed them to consider their preferred manufacturing method.  

Generative CAD Services Limited is a product development and engineering consulting firm. A market leader in the manufacturing, energy and mining industries offering product development solutions, engineering consulting, professional custom training. They are one of the major Autodesk Learning Partners in Nigeria. Their team comprises of highly skilled experts upskilled to adopt the current state-of-the-art technology in a secure setting and to impact knowledge. They have carried out numerous training programs with education institutions and cooperate bodies in Nigeria. Their online product development school & on-demand digital manufacturing platform offers industry-level knowledge in product development, access to on-demand manufacturing services, and shop for development tools & components. They also provide 360 support that empowers makers to focus on what they know how to do the best; make things. They believe and are confident that their Product Development school & On-demand Digital Manufacturing platform will democratise Making in Africa https://generativecad.com 

American Corner Ikeja in Lagos is a commitment to the country’s efforts to develop and support an educational system that will unlock the expertise, innovative spirit, and entrepreneurial capacity of young Nigerians. The centre offers a range of programmes and workshops, helping young people to develop their ideas, as well as their leadership and entrepreneurship skills. The American Corner Ikeja is a tech environment designed to promote digital skills among youths and provide a well-equipped workshop space for learning. The Corner offers conversation clubs, discussion groups, virtual programs, film screenings on various topics, and STEM learning activities such as 3D printing, robotics and drone technology. 

For further information about KnowledgePoint and its role as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory, or to find out about training local to you, visit: https://knowledgepoint.com/autodesk/  

With an urgent need to address high levels of unemployment across Tunisia, particularly among graduates, NET-INFO is working in partnership with the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF) on the D-CLIC program. 

The program, developed in response to gaps in the labour market, aims to strengthen the technical and professional digital skills of young people in Tunisia.   

NET-INFO has developed and delivered a series of training sessions encompassing Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing, 3D Jewellery Design & Printing and Building Information Management (BIM) as part of the D-CLIC program.  

Samia Chelbi from NET-INFO says: “Tunisia has experienced high unemployment over the past years, particularly among graduates. There are a number of reasons for this including a mismatch between what employers need and the skills of Tunisian job seekers, particularly technical and digital skills. This need has been recognised by government and other organisations. There’s a significant push across the country to support companies in transforming towards Industry 4.0, helping them to build digital solutions into their operations. Our work with OIF supports these efforts.”

NET-INFO engaged more than 140 students across 14 educational institutions in Tunis and Nabeul.  Six-hundred training hours were delivered in total, helping participants to apply the use of Autodesk solutions, including Fusion 360 and Revit, in real-life scenarios. Three distinct courses were successfully delivered: 

• Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing course for young people aged 18-35 years with or without a diploma in crafts and cultural heritage, mechanical engineering and industrial manufacturing and product design  
• 3D Jewellery Design and Printing course for young people aged 18-35 years with or without a diploma in crafts and cultural heritage, mechanical engineering and industrial manufacturing and product design 

• Building Information Management (BIM) course for young people aged 20-40 years with degrees in architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical and energy engineering 

Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the benefits:  

• “This training is the link between the theoretical that we learnt from our studies and the professional world.” 
• “The training is very interesting, the trainers are very professional, they helped us to master the software Fusion 360, I am very satisfied.” 

Collaboration with other partners and knowledge transfer with other educational institutions are key to the success of the program.  The program involved a number of partners and trainers: 

• Leith Aouni, additive manufacturing & industrial modelling trainer/3D jewellery modelling and luxury product visualisation trainer says: “This experience allowed me to transfer my knowledge, and develop exchanges with students. It develops and enriches my pedagogical skills.” 
• Aymen ASMI, Head of the Architecture division and BIM manager at BIMeo: “For a first experience of its kind, I find that we were able to rise to the challenge and give our best to succeed in sharing our knowledge with our students. We have worked in good conditions and our students are satisfied with the training and that is all we are looking for. I hope that there will be another opportunity to relive this experience. Many thanks to the OIF and NETINFO for this opportunity.” 

Samia Chelbi from NET-INFO says: “There has been significant focus in Tunisia in recent years to address skills gaps, with increased emphasis placed on practical and vocational skills.  This is particularly in important in sectors including construction, manufacturing and engineering.   

“Our training programs directly map to these sectors, helping to improve employability of participants.  We’ve already seen a direct impact of the training.  As an example, two thirds of the participants on the BIM stream have already secured hiring opportunities.   

“We believe this is a model to be repeated in the future, and look forward to further collaboration with other educational institutions, employers and partners across Tunisia.” 

Training provider, Nziza Training Academy, has been working in partnership with Rwanda polytechnic colleges on developing digital skills for the manufacturing sector. 

The training programme has been developed to support growth in manufacturing in the Rwanda. It saw Nziza Training Academy work with four polytechnic colleges, IPRC Kigali, IPRC Huye, IPRC Ngoma and IPRC Karongi.  The training sessions were attended by 19 lecturers and 194 students. 

Explaining the rationale for the programme, Alexandre NZIRORERA, Chief Executive Officer of Nziza Training Academy said: “There’s a limited supply of young talent with the skills needed to support the growth of manufacturing in Rwanda.  As Rwanda wants to grow its manufacturing and technology sectors, it is among the reasons that traditional colleges find an interest in working with the industry stakeholders to match what is being taught in classes with practical skills needed by the businesses in the sector. Industry-specific courses like the ones we have delivered are a sure-fire way to address the issue of mismatch between the supply and demand sides of digital skills in the manufacturing sector.”   

“Although our technical colleges of today are providing quality education to graduates, it is crucial to master the relevant CAD, CAM, CAE, and BIM tools to work as fruitful employees. We believe that through this collaborative programme with polytechnic colleges, we’re playing a part in helping young people develop the skills employers need.  

“The lecturers who attended the training are benefiting from the technology and skills we taught in CNC programming and already starting to get results.  They’re more familiar with Autodesk’s Fusion 360 and its use in manufacturing.  In terms of increasing capacity, these lecturers will, in turn, be able to transfer knowledge to future students.” 

“We’re hoping to extend these collaborative efforts. Lecturers have found Fusion360 is able to do everything they have been struggling with manually or elementary software. We are in discussion with Rwanda Polytechnic’s top management to provide the lecturers with extensive training which will enable them to develop expert level skills. It is for lecturers to have a high-level mastery of the technology so that they can deliver to their students with competing skills.” 

Manufacturing is viewed as a key sector for economic development and Rwanda has a stated ambition to become an ICT hub.  The National Strategy for Transformation targeted the creation of 1.5 million productive jobs by 2024. The strategy highlights economic sectors including manufacturing and construction as key to achieving this objective. 

The National Digital Talent Policy published by the Former Ministry of Youth and ICT in 2016 highlighted a recurrent problem of a glaring mismatch between the supply and demand of ICT skills. It also talked about how “this mismatch is attributable to lack of strong linkages between, on one side, the outputs of HLIs and other training institutions and, on the other side, the specific ICT skills…which requires more specialized, hands-on workforce.” 

The policy calls for strengthening the framework for ICT training and qualification in Rwanda, placing emphasis on training and certification in hands-on, market-oriented, globally benchmarked ICT Skills and literacy courses. 

To see lecturers attending the training, click here. To watch the video of students click here.  

About Nziza Training Academy 

• Nziza Training Academy provides short courses for practicing professionals to enhance their understanding and the applicability of knowledge acquired accompanied by world’s leading engineering and design technologies.  

• We’re committed to ending the skilled labour import by training local professionals to the same standards with world’s latest CAD, CAM, CAE and BIM technologies 
• We play a key role in training fresh technical college graduates on industry trending technology skills required in projects delivery. 
• An authorized training centre for Autodesk, delivering industry-specific courses in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and manufacturing technology 
• Our courses are taught by leaders in their fields, helping our students to keep on track with the cutting-edge progress in the world of technology. 

For further information about KnowledgePoint and its role as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory, or to find out about training local to you, visit: https://knowledgepoint.com/autodesk/  

KnowledgePoint is delighted to announce Al Suwaidi Group as the winner of the Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) Excellence Award for Fusion 360 Delivery Excellence for FY23 Q1. 

Al Suwaidi was recognised for its Fusion Next 2022 program.  The program involves Al Suwaidi collaborating with universities in the region, helping students to improve understanding of product design, data management, engineering and industrial problems, and practical applications using Autodesk Fusion 360. 

Commenting on their success, Suresh Dhandapani, Business Unit Manager – CAD & Engineering Division, Al Suwaidi Group, said: “It’s really a fortunate moment for us to receive an excellence award from KnowledgePoint and Autodesk. On behalf of my team, I express my sincerest gratitude to you to be considered for the award and it’s our honour and a privilege to be associated with you… Thank you” 

About Al Suwaidi 

• Al Suwaidi Computers, an ISO 9001:2008 certified company established in 1985, is part of Al Suwaidi Group, a leading IT Enterprise Solutions Provider and ICT System Integration in the Middle East  

• Al Suwaidi Computers is an Autodesk Gold Partner, Autodesk learning partner, certification Center and BIM consultancy service provider 
• Al Suwaidi Computers provides 3D printing & LiDAR scanning solutions to its customer base in AEC and manufacturing segments across the Middle East 
• As an Autodesk learning partner and certification centre, Al Suwaidi Computers offers a wide range of training to working professional and academic students.  It also offers discovery sessions with end-users to uncover pain points, identifying digital transformation and BIM solutions 

Awarded on a quarterly basis, the Excellence Awards recognise learning partners in the EMEAR region for high performance, innovation and learner satisfaction.  The awards are managed by KnowledgePoint as part of the company’s responsibilities as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory. 

Tomas Karlsson, head of Channel Services at KnowledgePoint said: “We’re pleased to recognise our partner in the Middle East, Al Suwaidi, for its Fusion Next 2022 program.  This is a great example of collaboration, working together to help the next generation of engineers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to be productive in the workplace. 

“Not only were students introduced to concepts including 3D design and modelling and generative design, they also learnt about how these skills are relevant to roles in the manufacturing sector.  The team at Al Suwaidi also used industry case studies to demonstrate how Fusion 360 helps major manufacturers to optimise design processes. 

“These awards provide us with a way of recognising work across the Autodesk learning network. The learning partners are skilled at helping individuals and businesses alike to gain the skills they need to capitalise upon Autodesk technologies.  This quarter, we were pleased to also recognise Niqat Global with the Outstanding Performance award.”   

For further information about KnowledgePoint and its role as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory, or to find out about training local to you, visit: https://knowledgepoint.com/autodesk/  

KnowledgePoint is delighted to announce Niqat Global as the winner of the Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance for FY23 Q1. 

Awarded on a quarterly basis, the Excellence Awards recognise learning partners in the EMEAR region for high performance, innovation and learner satisfaction.  

Commenting on their success, Ahmad AlQuosi, General Manager of Niqat Global said: “We at Niqat Global are honoured to receive the ALP excellence award for Q1 from Autodesk and KnowledgePoint. This award comes as a proof of our commitment of excellence that has been in place for years. 

“We are thankful for Autodesk and KnowledgePoint for this award and hope for continuous cooperation and partnership years to come.” 

About Niqat Global 

• Niqat Global was founded in 2005 in Egypt with the aim of providing high quality real-world BIM/CAD training for companies and individuals.  
• Niqat Global has trained more than 9,000 people in 25 countries.  
• Niqat Global has partnerships with leading software companies in the AEC industry including Autodesk.  
• Led by Ahmad AlQuosi who is an architect turned into a BIM enthusiast, Niqat Global has more than 50 world-class instructors in many aspects of BIM and CAD. 

The awards are managed by KnowledgePoint as part of the company’s responsibilities as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory. 

Tomas Karlsson, head of Channel Services at KnowledgePoint said: “We’re delighted to recognise our Egyptian partner, Niqat Global this quarter.  They’ve supported the largest number of learners in the region for the quarter, whilst maintaining and average customer satisfaction in excess of 90 per cent across all Autodesk courses.  

“They’ve shown consistently strong delivery across since joining the ALP program in 2015, helping thousands of learners to achieve their goals. 

“These awards provide us with a way of celebrating the work across the Autodesk network, helping learners and businesses to gain the skills they need for success.  This quarter, we were pleased to also award the Fusion 360 excellence delivery award to Al Suwaidi in the UAE.”   

For further information about KnowledgePoint and its role as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory, or to find out about training local to you, visit: https://knowledgepoint.com/autodesk/  

Autodesk Authorized Training Center GALAXY ACADEMY, as the main Educational Sponsor of BIM Qatar 2021, supported The Architects’ Hub Qatar to organize the symposium.

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The event was based around “Digitalization & sustainability; making Qatar more digital, greener & resilient”

The Architects’ Hub Qatar Organized a dedicated symposium about Building Information Technology – BIM in Qatar with a focus on digitalization and sustainability as emerging vital issues after 2020 and as we move into 2022. The symposium was held at the Al Thuraya Planetarium at the Katara Cultural Village.

The two-day symposium hosted ten speakers from various areas of expertise in BIM, both local and international.

The keynote speaker, Hayat Bukshaisha, architectural engineer and Building Information Modelling lead at ASGHAL, Public Works Authority, had this to share about her keynote speech on 15th November 2021 at the opening of the BIM QATAR 2021 symposium:

“The adoption of BIM has emerged as a global priority, together with other Construction 4.0 technologies, aiming to change the way we construct, so we can meet the needs for digitization and sustainability. This talk will give an overview of PWA’s BIM Implementation Program, and how this is envisioned to transform the Construction Industry, by disseminating the knowledge and providing a framework to guide the supply chain, thus contributing to the sustainable development of Qatar, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030”

The symposium addressed vital issues today such as BIM management, implementation, methodologies and industry challenges, BIM contracts, BIM for sustainability, BIM opportunities for women in construction and more.

GALAXY ACADEMY in collaboration with Autodesk will offer a limited intake workshop to introduce BIM Collaborate pro software.

“In line with Qatar National Vision 2030 which aims to promote sustainable economic development, Autodesk is proud to participate at the BIM QATAR Symposium 2021. The symposium will offer valuable insights into the progress of BIM in Qatar and how digital transformation of AEC industries can reduce impact on the built environment and create sustainable outcomes. At Autodesk, sustainability is about creating technology that improves energy and material productivity. It’s about empowering students, innovators, architects and engineers, to design, collaborate, build, and fabricate in ways that improve productivity–while also reducing waste, saving cost, and staying competitive”

Mr. Toufic Riman, Autodesk Territory Manager-Gulf Middle East & Africa

To see the impressive cohort of speakers and the event program visit this link :https://bit.ly/3bK4WUY.

“Cundall are delighted to sponsor the BIM Qatar Symposium 2021. As a global multi-disciplinary consultancy we are passionate about innovation, and digital engineering is a key driver across everything we do. Each and every person’s work is dedicated to a greater purpose, to make a change in the world by building an environment that is focused on people and a sustainable future. We look forward to participating in this important event and helping to promote a sustainable digital future in Qatar.

Mr. Gary Dodds, Country Director Qatar at Cundall Qatar

Hosting the symposium was Engineer Abdulla Al Baker, chairman of the Architects’ Hub Qatar advisory board. The master of ceremonies and moderator was Ms.Loubna Aghzafi, events advisor with the Architects’ Hub Qatar and former country manager of DMG events Doha.

The Architects’ Hub Qatar is an architecture association under the Qatar Financial Centre Authority since 2019.

Check out GALAXY ACADEMY here: https://www.galaxy-academy.com/

CAD MASTERS is a specialized company in training, technical support, and services for engineering and graphics software. Since 2007, CAD MASTERS has adopted a new approach for the integrated solutions in CAD & BIM technology by implementing strategies based on commitment, quality, customer satisfaction, and high return on investment. During this period the business has expanded its services in Egypt and the Gulf. In 2013 they opened their office in Kuwait to deliver the most updated services to its customers in the Gulf area.

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CAD MASTERS is an Autodesk Authorized Learning Partner. They are also authorized by many Syndicates and organizations like:
PMI, Certiport, Federation of Arab Engineers, Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, Industrial Modernization Centre. They provide their services to many big names at construction and manufacturing companies in Egypt, and collaborate with universities and institutes around Egypt.

CAD MASTERS has dedicated its resources and experience in both technical and teaching fields in order to achieve this success with a team with deep practical and teaching skills. Their slogan is KNOWLEDGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

What Autodesk training courses are on offer?
AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Navisworks, Robot Structural Analysis, Civil 3D, Advance Concrete, Advance Steel, Inventor, Fusion 360, BIM360, Maya

“We have three types of customers: 

Companies: Our training speciality in BIM converts their business from the regular way to BIM which makes them save money, time and resources. Implementing BIM allows them to take on more projects and expand their market share. 

Individuals: Our training allows many trainees to rise their positions in their companies or to join new companies with better positions. As we give training for many companies we connect our individuals with other companies according to their requests. 

Students: use our training to fulfil their faculty projects and research.”

Where to find CAD MASTERS:

• Website:http://cadmasters.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAD.MASTERS
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cad.masters/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CADMASTERSegypt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cad-masters/
• WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/CADMasters1

As an Autodesk reseller partner, and the only Platinum Partner in Africa, Modena focuses on providing customers with customized solutions that add value to proficiency, performance and service delivery. Modena’s expertise spans across a number of professional design industries including architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), product design, manufacturing and mining and media and entertainment.

With branches throughout Southern Africa, Modena has over 70 highly skilled personnel, who, with the combined expertise and experience, can effectively analyze needs, recommend, train, implement and lend support with Autodesk design technology solutions.

Modena is part of the ATC AAP network

What are the main reasons your customers undertake Autodesk courses and/or certification?

To upskill staff on software purchased, to gain the full benefit of the investment.

To upskill due to an awarded contact/project.

Certification exams to verify competency and have an internationally recognised certificate.

We have many customers saying great things about our training, however, the one that is the most common is directed at the trainers, we ensure our trainers are competent and skilled to the correct level. See below a message for a happy client we received last week!

Just a small message to Modena for the awesome training that I received on both courses that I completed, that being the Autocad 3D modeling and the Autocad Civil 3D. Both tutors were exceptional in training and I will definitely recommend Modena to other prospective companies in the future. 

H. Mathews – Modena Client

What business benefits have your customers reported as a result of undertaking Autodesk courses?

Efficiency, ROI on purchase of software, better workflows, and using software to its full potential.

“We often have clients say they have been working on their software for a long time and they don’t need a fundamental course, but when they come on training, they quickly realise that ATC structured training teaches them best practice.”

Find Modena here:

Website

Linkedin

Digital design solutions with real-world application

Lagos State University is located in Ojo in Lagos State, Nigeria and was established in 1983. The university’s mission is to become a citadel of learning, a community with the trademark of excellence in teaching, research and service to humanity. In an effort to build partnerships with the design/digital industry, Lagos State University engaged with Autodesk Learning Partner Generative CAD Services, a specialist in delivering CAD-related services.

Generative CAD Services | Home

Lagos State University – Home (lasu.edu.ng)

Being a specialist in high-quality training Generative CAD Services designed a workshop program for Lagos State University that would lead to real-world application through the design of covid19 safety door handles, face shields, and an office pen holder.

A comprehensive training program was rolled out during the course of 5 days ranging from introductory design concepts in Autodesk Fusion 360 to generative design and make capabilities. The participants were not only taught to digitally create the models in Fusion 360 but they also got to see the real-world application by 3D printing three of the projects. To facilitate 3D- printing the university received an Ender 3 Pro 3D printer through the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce.

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The training program was completed by providing free access to Fusion 360 licenses for the faculty computer labs at Lagos State University to enable continued learning and use of Fusion 360 in upcoming courses.

Felix Amaefule Chukwubuikem heads up Generative Design Services and facilitated the workshops.

“We designed this training program using project based learning principles to show faculty members at Lagos State University the real-world application of digital design. We look forward to continuing working with Lagos State University as they implement Autodesk Fusion 360 in upcoming activities.”

“The course has exposed me to new ways of design and is going to be useful in teaching our students. The course is also very important in product development.”

“The program is very useful in training students for their career and for further knowledge in the field of engineering”

Faculty members at Lagos State University

Two of Nigeria’s leading post-secondary institutions recently teamed up with Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) Costech CAD Consults to attend a series of hands-on training workshops on Autodesk software.

University of Ilorin was established in 1975 and is located in Ilorin, Kwara State.

First Technical University is located in Oyo State and was founded with the intention to bridge the skill gap between competencies of University  graduates and industry requirements

Costech CAD Consults has over 15 years of experience implementing training and consulting projects to customers in multiple industries.

As an Autodesk Learning Partner, they can leverage the latest cutting-edge technology solutions such as Autodesk Fusion 360 in their services portfolio.

When identifying training requirements with the University of Ilorin and First Technical University the team at Costech decided to focus on the future of engineering and showcasing new best practices to manage the design process.

A series of training workshops was rolled out to 50+ attendees at the end of August and received very positive feedback from faculty members and students alike.

“Thank you for the very impactful workshop which introduced the new Autodesk Fusion 360 to the attendees. The 2-day training on the 1st and 2nd of September, 2021, has further honed the graphic skills of the participants with the promise of their increased capacities in delivering innovative designs in future assignments. “

First Technical University
Prof. O. A. Koya B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD, R. Engr. (COREN). Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

“It was an opportunity for students to further boost their knowledge and creative thinking capability. In the light of improving the design thinking capabilities of the students, various aspects of the training exposed the student to new improved knowledge needed in the industry and set skills required to survive in the professional world of Engineering.”

Mr. SALAUDEEN, Mudashiru Opeyemi
President, Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association,
University of Ilorin.