German University of Technology in Oman and Siemens partner on mechatronics certification 

Digitalization is key to increasing productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing industries. It is also creating completely new business and growth opportunities for companies, as well as new jobs. To train the engineers of the future and to strengthen the collaboration between industry and academia, the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and Siemens have announced a new academic collaboration that will provide advanced learning and certification opportunities for engineering students and professionals. Beginning 2018, GUtech will offer the Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification Program (SMSCP) to all students interested in advancing their skills in automation and manufacturing.

Announced at a signing ceremony hosted at the GUtech campus in Halban, Muscat, the partnership is designed to boost students’ digital skills to meet the needs of an increasingly-digitalized industry sector. The signing was witnessed by the German Ambassador to Oman, H.E. Thomas Schneider, as well as other business leaders and academia experts. 

“Education is a long-term investment. We are very thankful for the support of Siemens, one of the global leaders in engineering. We are grateful that our engineering students will be able to use a special mechatronics laboratory here at GUtech, featuring the Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification Program,” said Professor Dr. Eng. Michael Modigell, Rector of GUtech. “This program will also enhance our close cooperation with the German and Omani industry. In the long run, the certification of our students will enhance their employability.” 

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering integrated to build complex systems. This holistic, hands-on approach to engineering can improve efficiency, productivity and quality and ultimately decrease time to market. Industries that benefit greatly from mechatronics systems include aerospace, materials processing, water desalination, machine building, automotive, transportation, building technologies and mining.

“Today’s industrial sectors are undergoing rapid change. 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,” said Markus Strohmeier, CEO of Siemens in Oman. “We are honoured to collaborate with GUtech to bring mechatronics training to Oman, offering students the opportunity to pursue this globally recognized certification that will ultimately help them succeed in top industries upon graduation.” 

Siemens is the only global industrial company to offer the internationally-recognized program in cooperation with partner colleges and universities throughout the Middle East, Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Under the agreement, GUtech will be the first university in Oman to offer the training and join an international network of advanced technology partners in education and industry working with Siemens to deliver the SMSCP program.

Upon completion of the program, participants will obtain mechatronics systems certification directly from Siemens. The course will be offered to students in two levels, and taught by the GUtech’s instructors who will be 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.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide.

Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.