HOUSTON, Texas, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As the current economy continues to weaken the outlook for America's Motor City, AVEVA Group plc , an engineering IT software provider, announced today it's partnered with engineering resource company Talascend, LLC and Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, to provide training for unemployed auto designers whose positions have been eliminated over the last several years due to economic conditions and industry changes. The company has donated more than $800,000 in engineering software to Macomb Community College to cross train experienced designers and engineers with the skills to enter the plant design industry and other US engineering markets where demand is higher.

"Although the automotive sector is struggling in the current economic environment, the US engineering market as a whole is actually in need of quality, skilled workers and this program provides an opportunity to fill that need while also supporting a deflated auto industry," said Derek Middlemas, Group Operations Director at AVEVA Group plc. "AVEVA is pleased to donate the world's leading engineering software for the purpose of retraining individuals for future employment."

Talascend, LLC created the program having witnessed firsthand the decline in demand for automotive designers and engineers; and through their research determined a need for those positions in the piping industry. Talascend teamed with Macomb Community College, an accredited institution and Michigan's largest provider of certificates and associate degrees, to swiftly develop and deploy the curriculum, facility and personnel for the training. The program works with Michigan's "No Worker Left Behind" Program for funding eligible students.

"We've been working collaboratively to implement this program, and are thrilled to see it come to light through partnerships with Macomb Community College and AVEVA's generous software donation," said Jason Dawson, President of Talascend Global Training Academy.

The 6-week training program is currently taught by Dr Bill Beazley, executive director of the Society of Piping Engineers & Designers (SPED), jointly with a Macomb College instructor. After completing the training program, graduates are ready for assignment immediately.

"It's a powerful combination when business and academia work together to find effective workforce solutions benefiting both employee and employer, particularly during this turbulent economic time" said Joe Petrosky, Dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology at Macomb Community College.

For those interested in registering for the course, or further information regarding the graduates and the Talascend Global Training Academy, please contact Ann Spaven, Training Academy Administrator at 248-537-1287 or visit http://www.talascend-gta.com.

About AVEVA Group Plc

AVEVA is trusted around the world to deliver engineering IT solutions with strategic value to leading companies in the plant and marine industries. For further information please visit http://www.aveva.com or http://www.aveva.com/ednotes

About Talascend, LLC

For over 60 years, Talascend companies have been at the leading edge of staffing and strategic human resource solutions in the technical sector. Talascend provides projects and companies across the industry with tactical and strategic staffing options worldwide. For further information please visit http://www.talascend.com

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College ( http://www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation's leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college's comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.

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