Today we have hit a major milestone. We have officially launched two major education initiatives focused on our clients: The Autodesk CADLearning learning program and the SSI Certified Training Program for ShipConstructor and EnterprisePlatform software. This new training initiative is one of the most significant things SSI has done in my time working here.
Importance to SSI and clients
Why do I think training is so important? It’s no secret that SSI’s primary business is sales of our software offerings. It’s also no secret that the shipbuilding industry is finite and very competitive, both for shipyards and design agents, but also for technology providers. With that information in mind you can see that the best place for increased sales of our software is with those who already have it.
In a competitive industry it is those who can differentiate themselves from the pack who will be successful, winning more projects, and thus requiring more of the tools and services they use. SSI can influence the success of our clients in two major (and connected) ways: by providing better and better products and by ensuring our clients are better at using our software.
Of course, we are focusing on both of these and there are a number of key reasons the latter is an area in which we are investing.
Enhanced Software requires Enhanced Knowledge
It is hard to believe how much both Autodesk products and ShipConstructor have improved, even in the last few years! There are so many new productivity and quality enhancing features available now but in order to take advantage of them, users need to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
User skill levels are not the same
As I have visited shipyards and marine engineering offices around the globe, it has become clear to me that there is a vast disparity in knowledge regarding how to use our software effectively. In fact, I encourage every ShipConstructor User to see if they can pass this six-question quiz regarding ShipConstructor Essentials.
Proving Proficiency
The trouble has always been that up until now, there has been no globally accepted certification to validate a user’s stated proficiency. There has been no way for individuals seeking jobs and promotions to prove their greater value. Employers have not been able to quickly and accurately evaluate the software skills of jobseekers, employees and subcontractors. Furthermore, there has been no way for colleges to prove that their graduates have a globally recognized credential certifying specific skills in using ShipConstructor software.
Introducing SSI Certified Training
SSI is excited to launch our global SSI Certified Training Program for SSI’s ShipConstructor and EnterprisePlatform Software. This training is realistic, standardized and verified by SSI itself.
It starts out with FREE training in ShipConstructor Essentials that can be completed in as short as a day or two that people could complete on their own time using a free trial of ShipConstructor software. After that, higher levels of certification can be acquired.
Credential of Expertise
Our goal is to make our training certification a globally accepted endorsement of a professional’s expertise. We are encouraging the industry to recognize this credential and to hire, promote and compensate employees and subcontractors accordingly.
Improving Autodesk Software Skills
It is not just ShipConstructor skills that people need to improve. Autodesk products are the foundation of ShipConstructor and our software is designed to work with the entire Autodesk portfolio. To maximize the use of ShipConstructor, CAD/CAM employees need to continually keep up to date with the latest AutoCAD enhancements and also learn about the other Autodesk software that they could be leveraging. That is why I am excited to say that in addition to training in our own software, we are now providing training in Autodesk programs as well.
Delivered Online or In Person
SSI can deliver training in a variety of ways: online, or in person at a client’s office or at a centralized training facility. SSI has a network of Authorized Training Centers around the globe staffed by SSI Certified Trainers who can give advice on the best options available.
Growing with our Customers
If you wonder why, I, as CEO of SSI am so passionate about people being properly trained, here is why:
SSI has enjoyed significant growth over the years and has established itself as a leader in the industry. Continued growth will depend in no small part on expanded use of our software by our existing clients. Our clients will only need additional software if they continue to prove they are the best at what they do and secure more and more business. Continual improvement is best accomplished through constant evaluation of process, tools, and skills and education.
I am very excited about the launch of this new certified training and I hope I have shown you why that is the case. I invite you to find out more about how Certified Training can help you.