Dassault Syst?mes, world leader in 3D design software, and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, has unveiled SolidWorks Education Edition 2012-2013. New enhancements include tools for mechanical design, simulation, sustainable design, and cost tracking, enabling students to experience real-life engineering situations, and to compete more effectively in today's global workplace.

In addition to offering software that empowers educators to more easily train their students for their dream jobs, Dassault Syst?mes provides a comprehensive SolidWorks curriculum library with more than 20 hands-on projects for students at every level and experience. Designing and building bridges, cars, and trebuchets helps make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fun. The latest version of the product also integrates Facebook access within SolidWorks, making it easier to collaborate. Students can now post projects on their personal pages to share with friends, or post to the SolidWorks Facebook page to share with the larger SolidWorks community.

Sustainable design is also a focus of this year's enhancements. The updated CAD Instructor's Guide includes a chapter on sustainable design to help students analyze the future environmental impact of their designs. Qualified schools with a SolidWorks Education Edition subscription can now administer the Certified Sustainable Design Associate (CSDA) exam, in addition to the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) exam to its students. The new exam tests the fundamentals of lifecycle assessment and provides an introduction into the environmental impact of products. SolidWorks Certifications are considered a major asset in a job search because they effectively validate student expertise to prospective employers.

(The software is currently available through local resellers. For more information, visit: http://www.solidworks.com/education-edition-2013-2013.htm.)