Author: Tomas Karlsson

As Cameroon’s major seaport, Port of Douala is home to most of the country’s international trade.  With connections to all of the country’s major cities, it plays a pivotal role in keeping trade across the country moving.  Efficiency, collaboration and clear processes, are key to this key aspect of the country’s infrastructure.

With these factors a focus, Autodesk Authorized Learning Partner, CPA (Consultations et Projets d’Afrique) worked with RTC (Regie du Terminal Conteneurs), a subsidiary of the Port of Douala, to upskill its team of engineers.

CPA designed and delivered a six-week training program focused on Building Information Modeling (BIM), in support of RTC’s project goals:

1. Collaboration, around the country without the need to meet every time
2. Improve efficiencies
3. Introduce BIM in the design process

Bibiane Etoa Epse Mengue, Commercial Director at CPA said: “Following a recent resolution by the government of Cameroon about outsourcing engineering services, RTC recognised it needed to upskill and develop its workforce, particularly as the port facilities adopts more digital technologies.

“To help us understand the business challenges faced by RTC, we conducted a long discovery session. We identified that RTC didn’t have a system in place where it could store its design work.  In addition, it could not do any modelling work and nor could the team detect clashes.

“We designed a training program to help them collaboratively thereby saving time and information to deliver projects on time.  We focused on upskilling with key Autodesk software to support achievement of project goals. 

“The team is now familiar with the software, and is able to use it effectively to model, reduce risks, and automate tasks to reduce design time and improve handoff with streamline data exchange.  They are now also able to access tools that enable them to deliver more business and create high quality infrastructure designs with conceptual and detailed design tools.”

The RTC team acquired the required expertise and product knowledge to ensure a hugely successful project.  Participants were overwhelming positive about the training:

“CPA has helped to understand some products from Autodesk which will assist us to be more efficient,” RTC project manager.

“CPA has an excellent team of instructors with great experience,’’ civil engineer from RTC.

The next phase in the collaboration between RTC and CPA involves further training in June 2023.

About RTC (Regie du Terminal Conteneurs)

RTC is a subsidiary of the Port of Douala, established by the government of Cameroon to:

• Update and maintain Terminal infrastructures and equipment within the Port (Harbour)
• Renovate government buildings in the city
• Renovate railways and train stations

About CPA (Consultations et Projets d’Afrique)

CPA Cameroun helps African companies specializing in AEC to make better choices in the digitalization strategy of their activities. The company recognises an ever-increasing need for CAD/CAD software solutions in the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa during the implementation of construction projects. It works in partnership with its customers, auditing requirements to make sure solutions meet their specific needs.  https://www.consultations-projets-afrique.com/

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/

Authorized Autodesk Learning Partner, Computer & Software Training Center (Compusoft), is playing an important role in the expansion of the F1 in Schools into Saudi Arabia.

F1® in Schools, the leading global STEM initiative, in partnership with Aramco-Ithra, Denford, Autodesk, and the Project Management Institute, is supporting the F1 in Schools Saudi Arabia program.

To support the program, Compusoft delivered training sessions to aid the establishment of five new local hubs in the country. 

• Four-day training program for F1 in Schools coordinators which leveraged Autodesk-created material, combining an introduction to design in Fusion 360 with Autodesk Flow Design
• Attended by 22 future F1 in Schools coordinators, preparing the way to launch the competition in Saudi Arabia in 2023. These coordinators will now set up local chapters across the Kingdom and organize their own local training sessions 
• The training program is aligned to Autodesk’s long-term partnership F1 in Schools which promotes engineering skills to secondary students through the design of model racing cars

The five hubs, which deliver local activities training and mentoring for Saudi students, have been provided with assistance from F1 in Schools head office team and specialist partners. 

Autodesk, F1 in Schools Premier Global CAD/CFD Partner supported the activity by providing training in CAD/CAM and CFD software such as Fusion 360. The objective was to provide local staff with the tools and expertise to guide and advise teams at the start of their F1 in Schools journey.

About F1 in Schools

The F1® in Schools season is now underway in Saudi Arabia.  Around 200 students are preparing to compete in regional finals, with the first Saudi Arabia National Final in June 2023.  The National Champions will represent Saudi Arabia at the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals which take place in Singapore in September, alongside the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Grand Prix.

The STEM competition, F1 in Schools, is an international multidisciplinary challenge. Working collaboratively, teams of students aged 9 to 19 design (using CAD/CAM software), analyse, manufacture, test and then race miniature gas powered F1 cars along a 20-metre track. F1 in Schools STEM aims to raise standards across schools, removing the attainment gap between advantaged and disadvantaged pupils and promoting student success and achievement in STEM-related subjects and beyond.

F1® in Schools puts STEM education into context with its parallels to the real world of the sport and wider industry. It makes the learning more relevant, more engaging, and with its supportive, competitive environment, more exciting. 

This Formula 1® supported global STEM programme is also a proven route to motorsport and automotive careers with former participants working in Formula 1® teams, engine manufacturers, sports agencies and many more allied companies. It also provides the sport with a unique platform for promotion to the younger generation.

About Computer & Software Training Center (Compusoft)

Compusoft is a training service provider accredited in Saudi Arabia by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and internationally by major multinational companies and certification providers, such as Autodesk, Bentley Institute, Intergraph.

In accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and directly supporting the subsequent 2020 Plan, its primary focus is facilitating youth development and knowledge transfer, and providing technical and vocational training, project management training, engineering software training, and soft skills training.

It offers a wide range and format of training programs, as well as bespoke courses customized specifically to the needs of customers.

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/

A memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and training provider, Advanced Design Colleges (ADC), has helped to boost digital design skills across Zimbabwe.  

The ADC CAD Academy was designed to support high schools and tertiary institutions in accessing and implementing Autodesk’s AutoCAD software.   

David Ngandu from ADC said: “This program has been running for seven years.  Back when we started, our research identified that the drawing board was common place in design practices and organisations across Zimbabwe.  We saw this repeated in high schools and tertiary education across the country.  Students weren’t familiar with CAD – nor being given the opportunity to develop the skills we knew were needed to digitise design and, in turn, help the country grow.  

“Through our work with industry, we knew that many businesses, service providers, and organisations were struggling to obtain employees with the right skills to harness technological opportunities coming down the line.  Practical action was needed to boost digital skills development.   

“The memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education allowed us to deliver a skilling program in high schools and tertiary education across the country.  Autodesk’s investment in education means that access to software is free for educational institutions – but, back then, many institutions didn’t know that it was available to them!” 

Engaging with institutions across the country, ADC set about increasing access to the software, and upskilling lecturers and students alike.  The ADC Academy comprised two strands which were designed to meet the differing needs of tertiary institutions and high schools.   

Aiming to replace the use of the drawing board, the program in tertiary institutions involved: 

• Installation of software (free for educational institutions) 
• Training of lecturers 
• Designing and delivering a tailor-made training program that was aligned with the different technical subjects offered in the curriculum 
• Lecturers cascading the training to students
• Issuing of certificates of completion
• Workshops and meetings for lecturers who were teaching CAD
• Awarding top students with prizes

In high schools it comprised: 

• Appointment of a dedicated CAD teacher 
• Establishing a fully computerised CAD lab to be used for CAD lessons only 
• Aligning CAD lessons with the technical subjects offered by the school 
• Full implementation of AutoCAD and industry specific software 
• CAD quiz and project competitions 
• Prizes for top students

David Ngandu continues: “The approach we’ve taken has worked and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved over the last seven years. The implementation was very successful and AutoCAD is included on school time tables and in the curriculum. For example, each tertiary institute now has a CAD Coordinator, a post which was never there.   

“We’re looking forward to the future, which sees us rolling out industry-specific packages to lecturers and across institutions.  We’re also going to work with them to support accreditation programs.  

“We also know that there are many schools, particularly in rural communities where students don’t have access to computers.  This is why we’re going run a mobile CAD lab that will cater for schools in rural areas. The labs in trucks will be solar and generator powered and will move from one school to the other following a strategically designed timetable.” 

ADC is an accredited Autodesk Academic Partner (AAP) based in Bulawayo offering services to educational institutions and students across Zimbabwe. https://adc.ac.zw/  

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/  

The work of two authorized Learning Partners, Computer & Software Training Center (Compusoft) and Advanced Design Colleges (ADC), were recently recognised in the latest Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) Excellence Awards. 

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

The ALP Excellence Award for Fusion 360 Delivery Excellence for the quarter was presented to Computer & Software Training Center (Compusoft) in Saudi Arabia.  The award was in recognition for its work to support the expansion of the F1 in Schools initiative: 

• Four-day training program for F1 in Schools coordinators which leveraged Autodesk-created material, combining an introduction to design in Fusion 360 with Autodesk Flow Design 
• Attended by 22 future F1 in Schools coordinators, preparing the way to launch the competition in Saudi Arabia in 2023. These coordinators will now set up local chapters across the Kingdom and organize their own local training sessions  
• The training program is aligned to Autodesk’s long-term partnership F1 in Schools which promotes engineering skills to secondary students through the design of model racing cars 

ALP Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance was presented to Advanced Design Colleges (ADC) in Zimbabwe for its work to boost digital design skills in the education system:  

• An end-to-end engagement program, which leverages Autodesk’s free software, provides free training, and recognises teacher and student achievements: 

• Installation of Autodesk software and provision of technical equipment  
• Training lecturers through workshops and community meetings 
• Delivering a tailor-made training program for lecturers to use in the classroom that has been designed using the national technical curriculum  
• CAD quiz and project competitions including awarding top students with prizes
• More than 750 lecturers and students across Zimbabwe have been reached in the year
• Program developed as a result of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and Advanced Design Colleges (ADC) 

At this quarter’s presentations, Tomas Karlsson, Sr Manager Channel Services at KnowledgePoint said: “Yet again, we’ve seen some exemplary work across the learning partner network.  Our award committee had a tough time deciding upon this quarter’s winners. 

“The F1 in Schools initiative has existed for a number of years, using the backdrop of the exciting and exhilarating world of F1 to engage with secondary students.  It has long been viewed as a great way to engage future engineers, using a competition format to introduce them to design principles.  The work by Computer & Software Training Center (Compusoft) in Saudi Arabia is key to building capability and capacity as the competition looks to expand into new regions and territories.  

“As a team we were also very impressed with the reach of the work conducted by Advanced Design Colleges (ADC) in Zimbabwe.  Committed to boosting digital skills which are key to the country’s economic growth, ADC’s work over the last year has reached in excess of 700 people in institutions across the country.    

“At KnowledgePoint we know all about the critical role digital skills play in economic growth and future prosperity.  Each quarter it gives us great pleasure to recognise our partners for their work to address skills gaps and equip existing and future generations with such valuable skills.” 

The awards are managed by KnowledgePoint as part of the company’s responsibilities as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory.  The awards celebrate work happening across the Autodesk network, helping learners and businesses to gain the skills they need for success particularly in the manufacturing and AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sectors.   

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/  

Earlier this month Tunisia-based HK Consulting was recognised at a glittering ceremony in Dubai for its national BIM (Building Information Modelling) training initiative.

HK Consulting, an Autodesk Training Partner, received the “Workforce of The Future’ Award” during the Impact Awards Ceremony at The Big 5, the International Building & Construction Show. HK Consulting was recognised for its project to integrate BIM within the academic curriculum on a national level in Tunisia.

The Awards are designed to acknowledge sustainable development, as well as technological and digital achievements in the construction industry.  HK Consulting’s programme was selected from hundreds of entries by an international independent judging panel. 

It was our absolute pleasure to receive this international award recognising our efforts and impact in driving the digital transformation in the building and construction industry in North Africa. 

In an era of digitisation, we know how important it is for the construction workforce to develop the skills it needs to revolutionise the building sector. We recognise there’s a need for the workforce to develop the practical skills and know-how they need in the workplace.  Capitalising on the products of our partner Autodesk, this programme offered participants across Tunisia the opportunity to develop skills they will use throughout their careers.

Eya Hammouda, Managing Director at HK Consulting

On behalf of the KnowledgePoint team I’d like to extend our congratulations to the team at HK Consulting.  This is a great example of how the Autodesk Training Network can have impact on a national and international level. This programme will clearly help existing and future generations to develop the skills they need for productive and rewarding careers.  Bravo HK Consulting.

Tomas Karlsson, Senior Manager Channel Services at KnowledgePoint

With an international focus, The Big 5 event and awards attracts attendance from organisations across the construction sector.  Sponsored by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of Emirates and Saudi Made and DMG Events, this year’s event was held at the Dubai World Trade Center. Attendees were drawn from the Middle East, Africa, Pacific Asia, and Europe.

Based in Tunis, HK Consulting is an expert in BIM, offering a range of training and consultancy services.  Since 2017, HK Consulting has been leading in the implementation and execution of the BIM process in Tunisia, working collaboratively with industry, governments and academia.

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/

The power of digital skills was the unifying call at the Digital Skills Camp Africa, which was run on 8 – 9 November 2022. 

Access the recorded presentations from the event here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTXEeQw3n04ZlG5rlIuUC-3lcjc4Kk3Y3

Day 1: Digital skills are today’s super power

With a focus on the importance and application of digital skills in manufacturing in Africa, participants heard from speakers including Nicolas Ouma from the African Union, Grace Lung and Dario Pinto from WorldSkills and Ryan Vessey from the PIMMS Group.   

A continent-wide skills strategy and how digital skills are fundamental to building resilient futures for African youth, were front and centre.  Emphasis was placed on skills systems and policies which ensure that companies and nations are able to respond to industrial challenges today and coming down the line.   

The importance of keeping up to date with the latest technologies and preparing the workforce of the future to apply these technologies were key messages from WorldSkills. Participants learned more about the organisation’s global role in developing skills excellence and excellence through capacity building and competitions – in particular what it is like to be involved in the mechanical engineering competition.  

Participants also heard from industry experts including Kithinji Muriungi, IEEE – Advancing Technology for Humanity, and Samia Chelbi, NET-INFO.  Showcasing practical applications of digital technologies, they highlighted the need for collaboration and on bridging gaps between manufacturing disciplines. 

In the afternoon sessions, participants benefited from training on Fusion 360, applying the technology to a drone modelling project. They learned how the technology is used in practice, with hints and tips on how it can be built into university curricula. 

This session also earned participants CPD credits awarded through the SAIMechE.

Day 2: Collaborating to develop the skills that industry needs

Taking a deep dive into additive manufacturing, day two of our Digital Skills Camp Africa reinforced the importance of collaboration and teamwork when it comes to developing the skills needed to boost manufacturing productivity across Africa. 

Participants also had the opportunity to develop their own skills – and get rewarded with CPD points from the South Africa Institute of Mechanical Engineering too!

The morning session took the form of best-practice sharing, with real-life examples of workflows in action and training initiatives to develop skills to support employability and excellence:

• Richard Hansen from Bolt Engineering in South Africa talked about how Fusion 360 workflows have supported business growth.  With practical examples of how it has been used to solve customer problems – quickly and at relatively low cost – he explained how it can with rapid market-entry and provides a competitive edge. 

• Award-winning Emre Orkun a graduate from Istanbul University, provided personal perspectives on the use of Fusion 360 in the design process – for underwater vehicles!  His illuminating presentation highlighted how teamworking is the fastest path to success, and the benefit of using Fusion workflows to ensure designs comply with the laws of physics.

• Regis Ngenzi from Nziza Training Academy in Rwanda, talked about its partnership with Rwanda polytechnic colleges to develop digital skills for the manufacturing sector.  Designed to support growth in manufacturing in the country, Nziza Training Academy worked with four polytechnic colleges, IPRC Kigali, IPRC Huye, IPRC Ngoma and IPRC Karongi. The program reiterates the importance of collaboration in skills development.

• Tochukwu Clinton Chukwueke from Clintonel Innovation Centre, in Nigeria, shared details of the Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition. Designed to boost engineering education, the challenge brings together Nigeria’s brightest minds in tertiary institutions to solve Nigeria’s toughest engineering and manufacturing challenges. During the competition, students use precision machinery and digital technology such as Autodesk’s Fusion 360. 

• Representing the University of Johannesburg, Dr Kingsley Ukoba offered participants an informative overview of additive manufacturing (often known as 3d printing), including its history, its adoption and application.  He provided examples from a range of industries, including its use in the development of engine block parts for the automotive sector. 

• Event partner, WorldSkills asked one of its skills experts to round off the morning with an overview of the Additive Manufacturing Skills Competition. Making the point that the adoption of many technologies lag because of a lack of skills, Steve Taylor from the UK encouraged participants to play their part in closing the skills gap.  He provided an overview of the process involved, the expectations and criteria associated with competition qualification.  Remaining current was also a theme as he highlighted how skills are reviewed after each competition to make sure they remain current and relevant to industry-practice

Inspired by the morning sessions, participants in the afternoon were treated to hands-on experience of an additive manufacturing workflow.  They learned how the workflows are used in practice, with hints and tips on how additive manufacturing skills can be built into university curricula. This session also earned participants CPD credits awarded through the SAIMechE.

Over the last few months UIT Infotech (CADD International) has been supporting companies across Dubai to enhance their digital skills.  The Autodesk Authorized Training Center, has delivered a number of upskilling sessions to a range of organisations, particularly those in the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) sector.

With building information management (BIM) increasingly a requirement for construction projects across the region, BIM skills have been a particular focus.

Shiju Antony from UIT Infotech comments on the recent initiatives:

We’ve developed productive relationships with a number of major companies across the AEC sector in particular. We’re proud of the way we’ve been able to help them to upskill their staff, supporting them as they respond to digital transformation requirements.

For example, we recently delivered training to Orient Crown and Arif & Bintoak. They’d previously been using traditional CAD workflows in their projects and recognised the need to upgrade skills to allow them to implement BIM.

Our experience with and understanding of the Autodesk portfolio is critical for these employers. Jotun gathered together engineers from a number of nations in Dubai for familiarisation training and updates on AutoCAD 2023. And for 2GIS, a mapping company, their objective was to integrate AutoCAD in their mapping solutions.

Shiju Antony, UIT Infotech Training Institute LLC

UIT Infotech has been in Dubai since 2013 as an Autodesk Learning Partner, providing training support to students, corporates and universities.  It is recognised for its particular expertise in supporting organisations with the transformation from CAD to BIM.

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/.

Digital technologies will not just change how things are made, but they will also require different skills for the factories of the future.

Join Autodesk Education and KnowledgePoint in collaboration with African Union and WorldSkills for a FREE Two-day virtual event, where you will learn from inspirational speakers about the latest digital trends in design and manufacturing. You’ll get hands-on experience of Fusion 360 with tips you can integrate into your curriculum.

• 8 November – The future of making
• 9 November – 3D printing

What to expect

• Explore the role of technology in manufacturing
• Hear about the trends affecting the manufacturing sector in Africa
• Learn about what the future holds for Fusion 360 and its role in the classroom
• Explore skills gaps and certification needs for the workforce of future
• See hands-on demonstrations of Fusion 360 workflow

Who should attend?

Advances in digital technologies hold the key to increasing manufacturing productivity. However, there is more to be done to ensure people have the skills needed to capitalise upon the advances in technology.  By attending Digital Skills Camp Africa, you’ll build your knowledge and understanding of the sector, new technologies and the role of Fusion 360.  You’ll be able to take your learnings into your curriculum delivery.  Play your part in building the skills needed for the future of manufacturing in Africa.

Autodesk Learning Partners Clintonel Innovation Centre (CIC) and First Option, secured success in the latest Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) Excellence Awards. 

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

The ALP Excellence Award for Fusion 360 Delivery Excellence for FY23 Q2 was presented to Clintonel Innovation Centre (CIC) in Nigeria for its Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition: 

• An annual engineering challenge that aims to provide students with the skills that industry is looking for and inspire tertiary institutions to improve their engineering education. 
• In 2022 contestants were asked to design and build solutions for Nigeria’s power problems using renewable energy sources. 
• Forty-five tertiary institutions from across Nigeria entered the competition and those shortlisted joined a two-week training bootcamp.  A team of industry experts were available to mentor and guide the students.  At the finals in Aba the team at Clintonel delivered training sessions on Fusion 360 to help the students prepare their projects. 
• Engineering students from the four shortlisted institutions, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA), Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) and University of Nigerian Nsukka (UNN), made it through to the finals. 
• The winning team from University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) designed and built a portable water-powered electricity generator that can be installed in every home with overhead water tanks. It also included an energy management system, which monitors and displays power generation, consumption and reserves.  

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ALP Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance for FY23 Q2 was presented to First Option in Egypt for its educational initiative with The Ministry of Higher Education:  

• First Option will qualify university students for the digital transformation of the construction sector.  The initiative supports Egypt Vision 2030, of which digital transformation is a pillar. 
• The initiative sees involvement from The Ministry of Higher Education, Autodesk, Egyptian Federation for Construction and Building Contractors, The Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers and numerous construction companies. 
• In total the project aims to reach around 50,00 students, offering them extensive training in technical and soft skills, as well as site visits.  Combining both online and offline training techniques, the initiative includes an element of competition and culminates in graduation.   
• The competition element focuses on a project around Climate Change and COP27, utilising industry software 
• The best 500 students and engineers will complete 150 hours technical and coordination training, 80 hours dedicated to soft skills and CSR, and 30 hours on site visits.

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On presentation of the awards, Tomas Karlsson, head of Channel Services at KnowledgePoint said:

The calibre of the nominations was really high, so it was a really difficult job to narrow down and select this quarter’s winners.  Clintonel and First Option are really worthy recipients of our quarterly awards. 

The judges were particularly impressed with Clintonel’s work to engage with Nigeria’s future manufacturing workforce.  The students designed some really interesting solutions aimed at addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.  

We were similarly excited about the scale of First Option’s project in Egypt.  The ambition to reach 50,000 construction students and professionals will play a significant role in achieving the Egyptian State’s digital transformation agenda. 

At KnowledgePoint we champion the need for investing in digital skills, particularly through our work with Autodesk, and it is great to be able recognise our partners for their extensive programmes which support this important agenda.  It is such a pleasure to recognise these two initiatives for the reach they’ve had in the Autodesk community.

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The awards are managed by KnowledgePoint as part of the company’s responsibilities as the Autodesk Learning Partner Distributor for the EMEAR territory.  The awards celebrate work happening across the Autodesk network, helping learners and businesses to gain the skills they need for success particularly in the manufacturing and AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sectors.   

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/