CLOUD

Pilot program aims to increase marketability and employer interest through technical-skills development and proficiency with HyperWorks software applications: Altair Engineering, a global provider of technology and services, today announced that it will offer free technology training courses and licenses for advanced software to displaced engineers in Michigan who want to expand their skills in computer-aided engineering (CAE) as a way of increasing their marketability to employers. Altair's Professional Workforce Initiative pilot program, which supports Michigan's efforts to retrain and diversify the state's workforce as the regional economy evolves into new industries, will be launched in southeast Michigan. Depending on its success, the program may become a sustained initiative to be offered to displaced engineers in Michigan and other regions of the United States. "We have been approached in recent weeks by many long-time Altair clients who have been displaced from their jobs, and they have requested free software licenses to stay current with industry technology," said Altair Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James R. Scapa. "With more than 3,800 corporate clients, we felt that we could perform a meaningful service for our professional industry colleagues affected by the economic downturn while at the same time offsetting significant training costs for local companies that may subsequently hire participants in the program." Each engineer may enroll in as many as four training sessions, including: -- Update training in modeling and visualization -- Linear and noise-vibration-and-harshness (NVH) analysis -- Crashworthiness and safety analysis -- Multi-body dynamics simulation "We applaud Altair for its commitment to helping engineering professionals increase their marketability and remain competitive in today's global economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Altair's efforts mirror the state's mission of ensuring we have a highly skilled workforce for emerging industries and high-growth professions like engineering. We thank Altair for being a socially responsible corporate citizen and encourage other Michigan companies to join us in this effort to promote lifelong learning." The value of the program and 90-day software license exceeds $11,000 per person. Degreed engineers who have been displaced from their jobs in Michigan, as well as engineers on unpaid leave from area manufacturers that have suspended operations during December, are eligible to attend the sessions and practice using the software on their personal computers at no charge for 90 days. If they remain unemployed after that period, Altair will renew the license for another 90 days so the engineers can continue to expand and sharpen their CAE skills. Engineers can view criteria, read complete course descriptions, and apply for the training through an online form at www.altairhyperworks.com/PWI . The first training course for the Altair Professional Workforce Initiative will be held December 10 at Altair world headquarters at 1820 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy, Mich. The additional three courses will be offered at the same location in December and January. Participants completing the training sessions will receive certifications in Altair's HyperWorks technology, which in many industries is a global standard for simulation and CAE solver solutions. The number of participants in the Altair Professional Workforce Initiative will depend on demand and space limitations. Altair is encouraging displaced engineers to apply online today, since enrollment will be finalized during the next week.