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Engineering the Future Workforce

Engineering the Future Workforce

By: Siemens - The Academic Partner
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Engineering the Future Workforce by Siemens explores emerging and best practices that are empowering the next generation of engineering talent. The podcast series showcases conversations with leading voices from academia and industry who are committed to improving learners’ digital skillset and mindset to accelerate innovation.Siemens - The Academic Partner
Episodes
  • Strengthening Global Talent Pipelines Through Microcredentials and Collaboration with Octavio Heredia of Arizona State University
    Dec 18 2025
    Access to world-class education is rapidly being redefined, and learners everywhere are demanding flexible, verifiable pathways that keep pace with innovation. In this episode, we’re joined by Octavio Heredia, Director, Global Outreach and Extended Education, Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, to explore how stackable microcredentials, global partnerships and learning-employment records are shaping the future of engineering education. We discuss how ASU is meeting learners where they are, how industry and academia can co-create scalable solutions, and what it truly means to cultivate lifelong “master learners.” Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:27 Octavio reflects on witnessing ASU’s transformation over 23 years. 04:43 Microcredentials meet rapidly changing learner and industry needs. 10:25 A microcredential framework improved learner motivation and targeted skill growth. 15:00 Clearer microcredential messaging remains a work in progress. 20:07 Alignment, transparency, and collaboration make hard partnerships worthwhile. 24:33 Fast-changing, complex industries make alignment challenging. 30:01 Learning records aim to empower learners to tell their full skills story. 32:46 The goal to develop master learners equipped to grow and adapt. Resources Mentioned: Arizona State University | Website ASU Microcredential Programs Trusted Learner Network ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering
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    38 mins
  • Expanding Quality Assurance and Credentials in Engineering Education with Jessica Silwick, CFO/COO of ABET
    Oct 14 2025
    Engineering education is evolving fast — and the way we assess skills, validate learning and prepare future talent must evolve with it. In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Silwick, CFO and COO of ABET, to explore how academic assessment, peer feedback and credential recognition are reshaping pathways into STEM careers. Jessica shares how ABET is setting global standards for quality assurance, why assessment is central to a growth mindset and how microcredentials are changing the landscape of lifelong learning. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:07 Jessica discovers her passion for STEM while working with engineers. 04:06 ABET builds quality assurance services and training for evolving STEM needs. 09:11 Siemens chosen as pilot partner for shared commitment to quality education. 14:15 Thoughtful assessment fosters self-reflection, growth and adaptability. 19:09 Continuous feedback and peer review drive innovation and improvement. 22:37 Self and peer assessment build accountability and support growth. 28:37 Microcredentials and essential skills build a growth mindset. 36:59 Credentials expand access to skills and unlock new career opportunities. Resources Mentioned: Jessica Silwick https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-silwick-cpa-mba-cae-46935035/ ABET⁠ | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/abet-/ ABET | Website https://www.abet.org/ Siemens Digital Industries Software https://www.sw.siemens.com/en-US/ Washington Accord https://www.internationalengineeringalliance.org/accords/washington-accord Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering
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    40 mins
  • Making Sustainability Core to Engineering Education with Suavi Yildirim of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Jun 18 2025
    Blending immersive technology with sustainable thinking can help future engineers tackle real-world challenges from day one. In this episode, we’re joined by Suavi Yildirim, Graduate Research Assistant of Institute FAPS/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, to explore how immersive engineering tools like VR, XR and digital twins are reshaping sustainable design education. We dive into Suavi’s journey leading the winning team in the Siemens and Sony Immersive Design Challenge and how cross-disciplinary collaboration, mentorship and microcredentials play a role in preparing the next generation of engineers. Key Takeaways: (02:38) Suavi embraced sustainability after learning about the UN development goals. (04:50) Suavi’s winning project tackles EV battery challenges and has a strong B2B use case. (09:47) Immersive tools make sustainable design learning intuitive and accessible. (15:21) Siemens microcredentials embed sustainability through real-world learning. (19:55) Without practical experience, students miss sustainability’s role in engineering. (23:27) What matters most is the journey of constant learning and improvement. (26:17) Stay curious, follow your passion and link your work to real impact. (27:53) Suavi values teamwork, open ideas and engineering with real impact. Resources Mentioned: Suavi Yildirim https://www.linkedin.com/in/suaviyildirim/ Institute FAPS/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg https://www.linkedin.com/company/faps-fau/ Institute FAPS | Website https://faps.fau.de Siemens NX https://plm.sw.siemens.com/en-US/nx/ Coursera https://www.coursera.org/courseraplus?utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg&utm_campaign=b2c_apac_x_coursera_ftcof_courseraplus_cx_dr_bau_gg_sem_bd-ex_s2_all_m_hyb_23-12_x&campaignid=20989858741&adgroupid=157016705446&device=c&keyword=coursera&matchtype=e&network=g&devicemodel=&creativeid=696907040395&assetgroupid=&targetid=kwd-36262515261&extensionid=&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20989858741&gbraid=0AAAAADdKX6afEsK2Z2-lUcMCcLkbcBx7C&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjdB96xeO_OAUkx9Jwqc-ZfqzUqAiGHZnySO1nZbzcvs-WFyqbwUPvAaAqM3EALw_wcB Thanks for listening to “Engineering the Future Workforce.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #EngineeringEducation #ElectricalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering
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    29 mins
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