Siemens and Higher Colleges of Technology partner for engineering lab

Siemens is to equip a high-tech laboratory in the HCT Centre of Engineering Excellence on the DMC premises with the very latest in engineering equipment. The laboratory is expected to be functional by November 2009. This announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a period of three years between Siemens and HCT earlier this month.

Siemens will also be responsible for providing the laboratory with the learning resources for automation and drive technologies. These include materials such as the LOGO, a versatile logic module used for switching applications; the best-in-class Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system SIMATIC; and energy efficient SINAMICS motors and drives systems. SIMATIC is a global industry standard for industrial automation.

Siemens will provide the instructors at DMC with practical training courses on the products using Siemens' extensive industry training programs. These instructors will then be conversant in the technology and will be able to fully support the students' learning. Complementing these courses, Siemens experts will make regular visits to the laboratory to impart their expertise and knowledge.

"The Higher Colleges of Technology is committed to providing students with access to the most current and relevant developments in a rapidly changing technological landscape. It is through alliances with leading global companies like Siemens that we ensure our engineering programs and the expertise that supports them are best in class. Siemens is an outstanding corporate citizen with a steadfast commitment to education"

said Dr. Bob Richards, Senior Director, Dubai Men's College.

"Siemens already has an extensive alliance with HCT, and this partnership takes us to another level. We will be facilitating learning by adapting and extending professional skills and knowledge to the future of tomorrow. We are pleased to be involved in shaping this country's future engineers." said Joachim Kundt, CEO, Siemens LLC.

The HCT is a distinguished educational institution in the UAE dedicated to developing the national workforce of the country. HCT employs the latest technologies and best-in-class teaching methods to educate national men and women in the UAE and has over 16,000 students currently enrolled in its 16 campuses across the UAE.

Siemens and HCT have a long association. Siemens is actively involved with securing internships for HCT students in its expansive business areas. Additionally, Siemens also participates in the various industry related conferences organized by the Higher Colleges. Earlier this year Siemens and HCT signed an MoU that will see Siemens support the HCT in offering state-of-the-art leadership development based on the Siemens Leadership Excellence courses.