Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 23, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The programme includes free provision of Autodesk software for mechanical engineering and manufacturing, architecture and construction, geospatial, and media and entertainment. To provide this quickly and without bureaucracy, participants receive current student versions that do not differ in scope or functionality from full commercial licences. This gives them access to the latest releases and enables them to improve their skills, particularly in 3D technologies. Free online seminars and free or heavily discounted training and certification are also offered so that participants can continue their education in a targeted way.
“Some industries, such as mechanical engineering, have been particularly badly affected by the financial crisis in Germany,” says Roland Zelles, Vice President Central Europe at Autodesk. “It is part of Autodesk’s philosophy that we understand our customers’ needs and try to support them as effectively as possible. Through the Autodesk Assistance Program, jobseekers remain up to date with technological developments and thereby improve their prospects of returning to working life.”
Autodesk offers the following support:
• Free software licence: student licences for a total of 17 Autodesk solutions, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Inventor Professional and AutoCAD Civil 3D. The software is available only as a download
• Free online training: on-demand training around the clock on any day of the week through Subscription E-Learning, Autodesk University Online and vBooks
• Discounted classroom training: more than 70 Autodesk specialist dealers and Autodesk Training Centers (ATC) offer classroom training on their premises free of charge or at significantly reduced prices
• Certification: certification preparation and examinations are offered on special terms
• Free access to Autodesk University Online: an online portal with more than 1,000 recorded sessions
The Autodesk Assistance Program is intended for anyone previously employed as an architect, designer or engineer who is now unemployed because of the financial crisis. When registering, participants need only provide information about their most recent employer. Autodesk reserves the right to check this with the former employer.
In addition, all Autodesk customers have access to online training and other educational measures through Autodesk University (AU Online), Autodesk User Group International (AUGI), various communities and YouTube.
Registration and all documentation for the Autodesk Assistance Program are available at http://www.autodesk.de/assistance