Dassault Systèmes and the University of Versailles Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines – Mantes-en-Yvelines University of Technology

Dassault Systèmes certification allows students to better promote their knowledge of its CATIA solution

Paris (France) - November 21, 2005 - Dassault Systèmes (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced the creation of France’s first-ever center for the certification of CATIA knowledge for students in higher education.

 

The University of Versailles Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) - Mantes-en-Yvelines University of Technology and the Versailles Val d’Oise Chamber of Commerce and Industry have set up an innovative study program entitled: "Vocational Sandwich Degree in Mechanical Engineering", with specific quality and environment components, at the Mantes-en-Yvelines University of Technology. The one-year course alternates one-month periods of study and industrial placement. Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA V5 and SMARTEAM software platforms are a core part of the study program, within the scope of a PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) project.

To complement the study program, the University of Technology has opted to become an "academic certification center". Designed to promote the actual skills expected of graduates by industry, the Dassault Systèmes certification program is tailored to the specific requirements of higher education. The program also encourages teachers to obtain certification.

Thierry Chevrot, head of the mechanical and production engineering department and one of the first people to qualify for certification, commented: "Certification gives students’ knowledge an official stamp of approval. From now on, our graduates’ résumés will stand out from the crowd! In my opinion, for recruiters it will simplify the task of sifting through applicants. In the long term, it will put an end to job candidates claiming to offer CATIA V5 know-how having followed just a basic training course. I really hope that certification will be implemented rapidly in other areas of industry."

Pierre-Jacques Bauer, who heads up international relations with the university community, added: "There is a growing number of job vacancies for which knowledge of CATIA is desired and in many cases a prerequisite. In addition to joining a rapidly expanding international program, the Mantes University of Technology is now gearing up to offer its students the edge over other candidates in the job market."