Siemens gains ABET recognition for circular economy credential

Siemens Digital Industries Software has received recognition from ABET for its 'Design for the Circular Economy (Sustainable Operations pathway)' microcredential, marking the first time an industry credential has been recognised by ABET under its Certificate Recognition Standards.

The microcredential was developed through a collaboration between Siemens and the University of Colorado Boulder and is designed to equip technical professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to sustainability initiatives and prepare for leadership roles in professional sustainability fields.

The programme comprises a nine-course pathway that underwent a rigorous quality assurance review process by ABET, resulting in the microcredential successfully achieving full recognition. ABET is an ISO 9001 certified agency responsible for accrediting STEM academic programmes and recognising industry credentials worldwide.

Siemens participated in an ABET pilot study that sought to help formalise new quality assurance standards for industry credentials. The company's involvement facilitated the creation and refinement of these standards as ABET seeks to broaden its scope to recognise non-traditional forms of learning and credentialing for STEM professionals.

Dora Smith, Senior Director, Future Workforce and Academic Strategy at Siemens Digital Industries Software, commented, "Siemens is proud to be the first industrial software company to achieve ABET recognition. Our credential program bridges the gap between academia and industry, and this is a key milestone that illustrates how rigorous quality assurance standards are being met for learning and delivery. ABET's recognition demonstrates Siemens' leadership in driving change in engineering education. We look forward to partnering with academia to integrate credentials that support industry readiness and set a new standard in learning to accelerate the development of the engineering workforce of the future."

Jessica Silwick, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ABET, highlighted the importance of quality assurance for industry credentials amidst an evolving technological landscape. She stated, "As the landscape of technology and industry continues to evolve rapidly, ABET's quality assurance of industry credentials plays a key role in enabling learners to gain essential skills and knowledge through high-quality, flexible, accessible programs that meet robust standards for learning. Siemens' collaboration in the credential recognition pilot has allowed ABET to test its credential standards and review process with a leading industry partner. The engagement and feedback from Siemens throughout the process helped to evolve both the standards and the process of review and recognition."

Dr Michael Gazarik, Faculty Director of the Lockheed Martin Engineering Management Program at the University of Colorado Boulder, described the value of accredited online credentials for professional advancement. "Online credentials empower learners to advance their careers by gaining valuable skills and knowledge on their own terms. Accredited certificates, like those developed by Siemens, give individuals confidence that they are staying on the leading edge of competitive fields," he said.

The Siemens microcredential is one of the first to undergo ABET's newly established Certificate Recognition Standards, which are designed to ensure that industry certificates meet rigorous criteria for curriculum, delivery, assessment, and outcomes. The recognition by ABET is seen as an indication that rigorous industry credentials can be incorporated into engineering education and workforce development strategies.

Siemens Digital Industries Software produces a range of digital transformation solutions for organisations through its Siemens Xcelerator business platform, supporting areas including design, engineering, and manufacturing. The company's programmes, such as the newly recognised microcredential, are part of its efforts to develop a skilled workforce prepared for the demands of the transition to more sustainable operations and products within engineering and related fields.