University in Texas Launches 3D Printing Certification Courses for Business Leaders, to Meet Demand

3D Printing is the future. There really is no argument against this statement. It may not grow into a technology that allows anyone to 3D print whatever product they want, at the touch of a button, anytime soon, but when it comes to manufacturing, it is a technology that will vastly improve the entire process. Businesses around the world are seeing the increased demand for the technology, as they strive to find a workforce that has a deep knowledge of how 3D printing works. Unfortunately, most of today’s workforce does not have a background in 3D printing, which these businesses are increasingly looking for.

Spurred on by this realization, one school in Texas has decided to try and help those workers in need of additional training in the field of 3D printing. The Rouech Graduate Center at National American University in Austin, Texas, today announced the launching of their 3D printing certificate courses for professionals and business leaders. They are now open for enrollment via the 3DiLabs website.

The classes will touch on several different aspects of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. They will teach the process used for evaluating 3D technologies as possible business investments, as well as how to do a structured cost/benefit analysis to determine the pros and cons of investing into 3D printing technology. The overall goals of the classes are to teach workers how to determine if 3D printing would be the most cost effective method of production.

“When we set out to become leaders in the 3D technology education space, we found that most 3D printing and additive manufacturing courses were either entry-level or far too technical for business executives and leaders to grow their companies and careers,” explained Dr. John Roueche, President of the Roueche Graduate Center. “Our goal is to teach professionals how to use 3D technologies such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing to make great decisions, not just great products.”

There are currently two course options available. The 3-hour workshop is priced at $69 for a limited time, while the 6-week course, called “Leading Innovation and Change with 3D Technology”, will cost between $1200-1500. Upon completion of the course there will be a final examination which may be taken in order to receive a certificate.

“Business leaders are interested in using 3D printing and additive manufacturing for streamlining supply chains, rapid prototyping, custom tooling, and new product development, but they still have questions about exactly how to do it and how much of an investment they’ll need to make,” stated Dean of Global Graduate Business Programs at NAU, Dr. John Mathis. “We wanted to be the first university in the world to meet the demand for high-quality 3D printing education and additive manufacturing training with certificate courses that not only showed professionals the benefits and uses of the various 3D technologies, but also how to evaluate whether they’re right for their companies.”

This is just one of the several classes that have been opening up around the globe in order to better prepare our current and future workforces for the influx of 3D printing technology. Without a doubt, we will continue to see more and more classes like these announced in the coming months and years.  Future generations will more than likely grow up in educational curriculums that feature at least a broad introduction to this fascinating new technology.

What do you think about classes like these? Discuss in the 3D Printing Certification Classes forum thread on 3DPB.com.