Training tomorrow's talent: Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Siemens partner to offer globally recognized Mechatronics Certification Program

• Highly specialized program is first of its kind to be offered in British Columbia
• KPU's Tech Campus in Surrey, BC will host a Mechatronics training centre

SURREY, BC, Sept. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and Siemens Canada have announced a new collaboration aimed at accelerating implementation of Industry 4.0 advanced manufacturing concepts and addressing the technical skills gap in Canada. Beginning in early-to-mid 2017 KPU will offer students the Siemens Mechatronics Systems certification program in association with the Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy (SCETA) (established in 2014 and based out of Siemens Canada's head office in Oakville, ON).

The manufacturing sector in Canada and globally is undergoing rapid and dramatic changes as industry enters the fourth industrial revolution – referred to as Industry 4.0 – which involves the mass adoption of digitization and advanced technologies. Manufacturing systems are becoming increasingly complex and digitalized and these systems require qualified highly-skilled individuals with the knowledge required to design, operate and maintain them.

"This agreement is a significant step forward for KPU as it implements its unique polytechnic university mandate. By partnering with Siemens, a world leader in engineering and manufacturing technology education, KPU reaffirms its commitment to a future-focused, high-quality and globally relevant advanced manufacturing training program," said Dr. Salvador Ferreras, Provost and Vice President Academic, Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

KPU will establish a mechatronics lab facility in Surrey, B.C.  Located at its trades and technology campus in Cloverdale, the facility will serve as the training centre for students to pursue the Siemens Mechatronics Systems certification program, a pillar of SCETA.

Equipment in the lab will include electrical and mechanical components purchased by KPU from approved suppliers including FESTO Didactic and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from Siemens Canada. The addition of the lab will also set the foundation for future academic offerings at KPU, including a diploma in Advanced Manufacturing.

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical and computer software technologies as well as control and systems theory into a single system used in production and manufacturing. In practical terms, Mechatronics raises the bar for Industry 4.0 by offering a holistic, hands-on approach to automation that can improve efficiency, productivity and quality and ultimately decrease time to market. Industries that benefit greatly from a Mechatronics system include aerospace, materials processing, machine building, automotive, transportation, building technologies and mining.

"Innovation, productivity and success for Canadian manufacturers are directly tied to the skills and abilities of their employees," said Robert Hardt, President and CEO, Siemens Canada Limited. "We are honoured to collaborate with KPU to bring mechatronics training to British Columbia, offering students the opportunity to pursue this globally recognized certification that will ultimately help prepare them to succeed in Canada's top industries upon graduation."

The Mechatronics certification courses, designed to be integrated into the university's existing curriculum, will be offered to KPU students in two levels and taught by KPU faculty trained at the Siemens Technik Academy in Berlin, Germany. Each level is based on a job profile--a comprehensive description of the tasks that the certified individual should be able to perform. Job profiles are developed by Siemens in collaboration with other industry and public sector partners, and help to define the levels, either Assistant or Associate.

Siemens is the only global industrial company to offer the internationally recognized Mechatronics certification program in cooperation with partner colleges and universities throughout North America, Asia and Africa. KPU is among the first Canadian universities to join an international network of advanced technology partners in education and industry working with Siemens by delivering the Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification Program through the Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy in Canada.

About Siemens Canada
For more than 100 years Siemens Canada has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality and reliability. Siemens technology in the fields of electrification, automation and digitalization helps make real what matters to Canadians. From the Atlantic to Pacific oceans, more than 4,800 employees in Canada work together to deliver solutions for sustainable energy, intelligent infrastructure, healthcare, and the future of manufacturing. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions and automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a foremost provider of medical imaging equipment and a leader in laboratory diagnostics. Sales for Siemens Canada in fiscal 2015 (ended September 30), were $3.0 billion CAD. The company has 46 offices and 15 production facilities across Canada. Further information is available at www.siemens.ca.

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.

Contacts for journalists:
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Siemens Canada
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E-mail: [email protected]

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Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Phone: [phone]
Cell: 604.828.5232
E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE Siemens Canada Limited