Launch of “CAD for Education”.

26th March 2007

t⁴, the Technology Subjects Support Service, established by the Department of Education and Science, announced the nominated providers of hardware and software for this programme. SolidWorks, will provide the parametric CAD software; Dell have secured the tender contract to supply up to 4,500 Precision Workstation PCs on which the students will work and Microsoft who will supply Microsoft’s Learning Suite on every Workstation PC, which includes tailored ICT training resources for teachers and students.

Technologies and methodologies including powerful design tools such as CAD will be utilised in the revised and new technology subjects. SolidWorks parametric CAD software will be used in all second level schools providing these subjects. Dell’s Precision Workstation PC’s will be used to facilitate the use of this software in the classroom as an integral part of the day to day experience of the students. Microsoft through NCTE has agreed to lend its experience and expertise to address issues of teacher skills sets and training. It has also donated the Microsoft Learning Suite to the 21 education centres around the country for teacher training.

David Dolan, Sales Manager, Dell, Ireland, Liam Murphy, t⁴, Seamus Shanahan, CEO, Solid Solutions Ireland , Paul Maloney, Worldwide Education Manager, SolidWorks Corporation, Paddy Keays,National Co-ordinator, t⁴ and Steven Duggan, Education Manager, Microsoft Ireland at the launch.

Paddy Keays, National Co-ordinator, t⁴ said, “We are delighted to officially launch the ICT initiative today and welcome increased links between education and industry. The programme represents a very significant advance in the provision of ICT in schools and will ensure that students and teachers of technology subjects have access to resources and facilities on a par with any world leading education systems.”

Lutz Bettels, SolidWorks Business Manager Education Europe said, “SolidWorks is proud to participate in this major ICT initiative of the Republic of Ireland. This initiative seamlessly links education and industry by preparing students for their careers. SolidWorks®’ 3D CAD software, curriculum, and courseware materials, along with the optional student certification program [Certified SolidWorks Associate], will provide students throughout the country with the engineering and product design skills they’ll need professionally.”

Seamus Shanahan, Director Solid Solutions Ireland said, “Solid Solutions Ireland is delighted to be able to supply SolidWorks software and support services to schools through this Department of Education and Science initiative. It is a great opportunity for the engineers of the future to use the same software currently used by the majority of industries in Ireland at present. We look forward to working closely with t⁴, the Technology Subjects Support Service, over the next number of years.”

David Dolan, Dell Ireland noted, “Dell is delighted to have been able to offer schools through the Department of Education and Science an option that meets all its needs in rolling out technology to schools in the Department’s first every centralised procurement process for schools. Standardisation of technology across education is very important to ensure that students are working on a level playing field as technology is rolled out across more and more subjects in the curriculum.”

Steven Duggan, Education Manager, Microsoft Ireland commented, “Our students are the country’s the most important asset for the future. Given the growing importance of the knowledge economy, it’s essential that we equip our children with the expertise they’ll need for the future. This agreement, with t⁴ and the NCTE, will provide students with the Microsoft Learning Suite which gives them access to the very latest computer tools. We are also working on building a training curriculum for the teachers, helping to create a standard for Irish schools."