Released on March 27, 2009

Pittsburg State Univ., Pittsburg, Kan., recently formed a partnership with Magma, Aachen, Germany, that has made it the only university in North America identified as a certification site for the company’s simulation software.

According to a press release issued by the university, the partnership will allow Pittsburg State students the opportunity to learn how to use the software before entering the metalcasting workforce. Russ Rosmait, professor of engineering technology, said Magma came to Pittsburg State with the idea of the certification program, which they believe will be mutually beneficial.

“There are companies that buy their software, but the company will buy it and say, ‘Well how do I run it?’” Rosmait said. “So the software producer will say, ‘We’ve partnered with Pittsburg State, and they have a class in it and a certification program.”

After using the new software in classes, students will be given the option of becoming certified.

“Students can opt for a certification where they are tested on their skills in utilizing the software,” Rosmait said. “They’re given a real life situation for a product, and they have to come up with a solution.” The results of the test then will be sent to Magma, which will approve or deny the student’s certification.