Siemens Provides $32 Million In-Kind Software Grant to Central Piedmont Community College to Educate and Train Workers for Manufacturing Industry

Academic partnership will help North Carolina prepare a highly-skilled workforce necessary to take advantage of manufacturing resurgence in America

CHARLOTTE, N.C.(BUSINESS WIRE)Today, from its Charlotte Energy Hub, Siemens announced it will be making a $32 million in-kind software grant to Central Piedmont Community College(CPCC) for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Division, which serves thousands of students and commercial companies annually. CPCC will use the software to enhance existing courses and develop new courses related to advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, electronics engineering, mechatronics, robotics, and information technology. It will also be used in an apprenticeship program with Siemens, building on the current partnership between the two organizations. By enabling students to learn and train on the same product lifecycle management (PLM) software used throughout the global manufacturing industry, Siemens and CPCC are helping North Carolina prepare the highly-skilled workforce necessary to meet the demands of America's resurgent manufacturing industry.

"The partnership announced by Siemens today with Central Piedmont College demonstrates how we are working together to build a highly-skilled workforce that will meet the needs of our employers and strengthen North Carolina's economy."

"The resurgence in the American manufacturing industry, driven by an ongoing software revolution, has created a critical demand for qualified technology-trained professionals in manufacturing," said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. "By partnering with Siemens PLM Software to integrate world-class PLM technology into its curriculum, Central Piedmont Community College will help ensure its students have the training in advanced manufacturing technologies and practices they need to be successful in a highly competitive job market."

With Siemens' PLM software technology in the classroom, students can develop the advanced manufacturing and design skills sought after by the more than 77,000 companies worldwide. These companies utilize Siemens' software solutions to design, develop and manufacture some of the world's most sophisticated products in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, machinery, shipbuilding, and high-tech electronics.

"In North Carolina we understand the importance of cooperation between industry, education and government to maximize workforce development," said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. "The partnership announced by Siemens today with Central Piedmont College demonstrates how we are working together to build a highly-skilled workforce that will meet the needs of our employers and strengthen North Carolina's economy."

Local advanced manufacturing companies have partnered with CPCC to help train this next generation work force. The aim is to fill talent pipelines with people who are well-equipped to utilize the latest automation, production, and design software.

"Through this expanded partnership between Siemens and Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte continues to enhance its reputation as a center for energy-related commerce and educational opportunities," said Charlotte Mayor, Dan Clodfelter. "Working together, these partners are strengthening a relationship that reinforces our local economy and will help to provide good-paying career opportunities for Charlotte-area residents."

More than 120 businesses throughout the state of North Carolina and in the Charlotte region rely on Siemens' PLM software, including employers such as Hendrick Motorsports, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Joe Gibbs Racing, Textron Inc. and Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation.

"CPCC is grateful for the generous support of Siemens in donating PLM software to the college," said Dr. Tony Zeiss, CPCC president. "With this gift, CPCC will be able to deliver PLM training to degree-seeking students and incumbent workers, giving them the advanced technical skills desired by employers, particularly in the area of advanced manufacturing. CPCC and our students are fortunate to have such a great partnership with Siemens."

"Manufacturing is one of the most sophisticated, highly skilled and innovative areas of business in the world today because software has radically transformed the industry. We need to let students, parents and administrators know what these jobs look like and what students need to learn in order to get them," said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens USA. "Our enhanced partnership with CPCC offers students valuable academic and workforce opportunities to start careers in this high-tech industry."

Note: Photos and video available at http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/softwarerevolution/charlotte/

About Siemens in Charlotte

Siemens Energy in Charlotte is one of the lead facilities in the company's global manufacturing network and serves as the worldwide hub for Siemens 60 Hz power generating equipment. Opened in 1969, the facility has manufactured and serviced generators and steam turbines for the power generation market for decades. In November 2011, the facility celebrated the opening of a new expansion, adding gas turbine production and service capabilities. The new Gas Turbine facility was designed based on LEAN manufacturing principles and is certified to U.S. LEED Gold green building standards. With its current workforce of 1,550 and more than one million square feet of space under roof, Siemens Energy in Charlotte has become the largest manufacturer in the city and the third largest among the 250+ Energy companies based in Charlotte. Further information is available at:http://www.siemens.com/energy/charlotte.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a world-leading provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, systems and services with nine million licensed seats and 77,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software helps thousands of companies make great products by optimizing their lifecycle processes, from planning and development through manufacturing and support. Our HD-PLM vision is to give everyone involved in making a product the information they need, when they need it, to make the smartest decision. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About Siemens in the U.S.

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure & cities sectors. For more than 165 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 362,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of approximately $100 billion in fiscal 2013. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $19.2 billion and employs approximately 52,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

About CPCC

Central Piedmont Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. CPCC responds to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. Established in 1963, CPCC has provided more than 50 years of service to Mecklenburg County residents, business and industry. For more information, see www.cpcc.edu.

Note: Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.

 

Contacts

Media:
Siemens Energy
Katie Walton, 980-228-0636
katie.walton@siemens.com

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Campus, Community, Events, Foundation News.

Seimens Provides $32 Million In-Kind Software Grant to CPCC

Academic partnership will help North Carolina prepare a highly-skilled workforce necessary to take advantage of manufacturing resurgence in America

CHARLOTTE, N.C.(BUSINESS WIRE)Today, from its Charlotte Energy Hub, Siemens announced it will be making a $32 million in-kind software grant to Central Piedmont Community College(CPCC) for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Division, which serves thousands of students and commercial companies annually. CPCC will use the software to enhance existing courses and develop new courses related to advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, electronics engineering, mechatronics, robotics, and information technology. It will also be used in an apprenticeship program with Siemens, building on the current partnership between the two organizations. By enabling students to learn and train on the same product lifecycle management (PLM) software used throughout the global manufacturing industry, Siemens and CPCC are helping North Carolina prepare the highly-skilled workforce necessary to meet the demands of America's resurgent manufacturing industry.

"The partnership announced by Siemens today with Central Piedmont College demonstrates how we are working together to build a highly-skilled workforce that will meet the needs of our employers and strengthen North Carolina's economy."

"The resurgence in the American manufacturing industry, driven by an ongoing software revolution, has created a critical demand for qualified technology-trained professionals in manufacturing," said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. "By partnering with Siemens PLM Software to integrate world-class PLM technology into its curriculum, Central Piedmont Community College will help ensure its students have the training in advanced manufacturing technologies and practices they need to be successful in a highly competitive job market."

With Siemens' PLM software technology in the classroom, students can develop the advanced manufacturing and design skills sought after by the more than 77,000 companies worldwide. These companies utilize Siemens' software solutions to design, develop and manufacture some of the world's most sophisticated products in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, machinery, shipbuilding, and high-tech electronics.

"In North Carolina we understand the importance of cooperation between industry, education and government to maximize workforce development," said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. "The partnership announced by Siemens today with Central Piedmont College demonstrates how we are working together to build a highly-skilled workforce that will meet the needs of our employers and strengthen North Carolina's economy."

Local advanced manufacturing companies have partnered with CPCC to help train this next generation work force. The aim is to fill talent pipelines with people who are well-equipped to utilize the latest automation, production, and design software.

"Through this expanded partnership between Siemens and Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte continues to enhance its reputation as a center for energy-related commerce and educational opportunities," said Charlotte Mayor, Dan Clodfelter. "Working together, these partners are strengthening a relationship that reinforces our local economy and will help to provide good-paying career opportunities for Charlotte-area residents."

More than 120 businesses throughout the state of North Carolina and in the Charlotte region rely on Siemens' PLM software, including employers such as Hendrick Motorsports, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Joe Gibbs Racing, Textron Inc. and Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation.

"CPCC is grateful for the generous support of Siemens in donating PLM software to the college," said Dr. Tony Zeiss, CPCC president. "With this gift, CPCC will be able to deliver PLM training to degree-seeking students and incumbent workers, giving them the advanced technical skills desired by employers, particularly in the area of advanced manufacturing. CPCC and our students are fortunate to have such a great partnership with Siemens."

"Manufacturing is one of the most sophisticated, highly skilled and innovative areas of business in the world today because software has radically transformed the industry. We need to let students, parents and administrators know what these jobs look like and what students need to learn in order to get them," said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens USA. "Our enhanced partnership with CPCC offers students valuable academic and workforce opportunities to start careers in this high-tech industry."

Note: Photos and video available at http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/softwarerevolution/charlotte/

About Siemens in Charlotte

Siemens Energy in Charlotte is one of the lead facilities in the company's global manufacturing network and serves as the worldwide hub for Siemens 60 Hz power generating equipment. Opened in 1969, the facility has manufactured and serviced generators and steam turbines for the power generation market for decades. In November 2011, the facility celebrated the opening of a new expansion, adding gas turbine production and service capabilities. The new Gas Turbine facility was designed based on LEAN manufacturing principles and is certified to U.S. LEED Gold green building standards. With its current workforce of 1,550 and more than one million square feet of space under roof, Siemens Energy in Charlotte has become the largest manufacturer in the city and the third largest among the 250+ Energy companies based in Charlotte. Further information is available at:http://www.siemens.com/energy/charlotte.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a world-leading provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, systems and services with nine million licensed seats and 77,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software helps thousands of companies make great products by optimizing their lifecycle processes, from planning and development through manufacturing and support. Our HD-PLM vision is to give everyone involved in making a product the information they need, when they need it, to make the smartest decision. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About Siemens in the U.S.

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure & cities sectors. For more than 165 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 362,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of approximately $100 billion in fiscal 2013. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $19.2 billion and employs approximately 52,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

About CPCC

Central Piedmont Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. CPCC responds to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. Established in 1963, CPCC has provided more than 50 years of service to Mecklenburg County residents, business and industry. For more information, see www.cpcc.edu.

Note: Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.



Contacts

Media:
Siemens Energy
Katie Walton, 980-228-0636
katie.walton@siemens.com

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Campus, Community, Events.

NC Football Club Assoc. CPCC Players 40th Anniversary & Reunion

North Carolina Football Club Association

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Players 40th Anniversary & Reunion


The Central Piedmont Community College Football Club is hosting a reunion for all those who played on the league teams during the league's existence during 1970-1976.


Schedule of Events:

Welcome and Mingle Meet & Greet


October 24, 2014             7pm-9pm- Picasso's Sports Café 230 E. WT Harris Blvd

Tailgating and UNCC Football

October 25, 2014             9 am -12 noon Tailgate in the Tailgate Area. Sliders, wings and more!

1 pm- 3pm Game- tickets will be provided

7pm- Picasso's Sports Café 230 E. WT Harris Blvd. Bring your memorabilia and memories to share. Beverages and food will be available.



For more information and to RSVP contact: Tudd Dean: Tudd@skybest.com or 828-719-8269

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Community, Events.

CPCC Recognizes STEM is Critical for Workforce Development

In a recent interview, Chris Paynter, Dean of STEM at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) told reporter Michele Nash-Hoff that part of the plan for achieving the College's vision "to be the national leader in workforce development" was the reorganization of the college divisions of Science, Information Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics under one Dean to support the growth of these four interrelated fields as a unit.

Dean Paynter said that CPCC provides up-to-date technical skills to the Charlotte region's workforce and employers. The CPCC Engineering Technologies Certification Center was created to assist this effort by providing proctored credentialing exams for nationally recognized third-party industry credentials, such as the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, National Institute of Metalworking Skills, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program. Read more

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Campus, Community, Events.

John M. Belk Endowment Awards $2.3 Million to Central Piedmont Community College to Reform Developmental Education

Grant Expands Program Shown to Boost Pass Rates and Keep Students on Track to Degree

 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 17, 2014) -- In an effort to propel more students toward a college degree, the John M. Belk Endowment has awarded $2.3 million to Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) to expand its new Developmental Education Program which moves students from remedial to college courses faster and helps retain students who might otherwise drop out.

"We're delighted the John M. Belk Endowment has partnered with us to expand this approach that reduces burnout and keeps students on track to getting credentials they need to succeed," said CPCC President Dr. Tony Zeiss. "Our pass rates improved more than 10 percent, and people from around the country are watching the reform efforts going on here and across North Carolina."  

Nationally, less than 25 percent of developmental students in community colleges complete a degree, diploma or certificate within eight years of enrollment, according to research by Columbia University's Community College Research Center. Studies show most students entering community college need additional instruction in basic math or English, with some students facing two years of semester-long, lecture-style courses that often include material they already know. As a result, students lose motivation and can exhaust their financial aid before reaching credit-bearing courses they need for a degree.

"Developmental education is the Bermuda Triangle of community college because so many students across the country enter remedial classes but never reach their college course of study," said Dr. Scott Ralls, President of the North Carolina Community College System. "We're changing that, thanks to trailblazers such as CPCC and the John M. Belk Endowment, who recognize that big change requires big investment."

The North Carolina Community College System recently redesigned developmental education curricula so classes could be completed in one year or less. In developmental math, multiple exit points allow students to focus only on developing specific skills they need, then move on to college courses. In English, developmental reading and writing courses have been combined to reduce redundancy. Better diagnostic tests also help colleges identify exactly which skills students need, rather than prescribing broad and lengthy math or English courses.

CPCC builds on the state's reform by offering new learning labs and technology to keep developmental students engaged. In math, students work in new computer-based "Emporium" style labs featuring individualized, student-paced short courses focused only on skills they need. Instructors are available in the labs to provide on-demand assistance, and they can follow up with students when testing identifies weaknesses.

In pilot programs, CPCC's pass rates for students in developmental math jumped to 73 percent, compared to 58 percent in traditional developmental education. Pass rates in combined reading-and-writing classes increased to 71 percent, compared to 55 and 60 percent respectively in separate courses.

"CPCC is leading exactly the kind of reform the John M. Belk Endowment wants to invest in," said Kristy Teskey, executive director of the Endowment. "Their new developmental education program aligns with our mission to increase the numbers of underrepresented students who complete a college program, and to help keep North Carolina's workforce healthy and competitive."

The grant is the second major award under the Endowment's redefined mission to increase access to and through postsecondary education for underserved students in North Carolina.

The grant will help pay for computers, labs and teacher training necessary to launch the new developmental education program this school year at CPCC's Central, Levine, Harper and Cato campuses, to be followed by the Merancas and Harris campuses in 2015-16. As part of the program, CPCC will share lessons about the new teaching and learning methods with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and community colleges across North Carolina. 

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Community, Events, Foundation News.