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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/  

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/