Submitted Photo Felix Manzella, a student at WNY P-TECH STEM College & Career Academy in Dunkirk, is pictured with P-TECH CADD teacher Nick Anson. Manzella recently completed his SolidWorks professional certification in mechanical design.
Fredonia senior Felix Manzella recently earned his SolidWorks professional certification in mechanical design.
Manzella is the first student to pass the Advanced Skills Exam at WNY P-TECH STEM College & Career Academy in Dunkirk.
SolidWorks certifications can be used as a benchmark to measure a student's knowledge and ability with SolidWorks software.
Being a Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) in Mechanical Design is a title worth earning upon entry.
P-TECH CADD teacher Nick Anson said several WNY P-TECH students have become Certified SolidWorks Associates (CSWA) in recent years. He acknowledged that Mr. Manzella took the more advanced CSWP exam first.
The online exam is comprehensive, lasts more than three hours, and tests an individual's ability to design and analyze parametric parts and moving assemblies using a variety of complex features in SolidWorks, Anson said.
“SolidWorks certification is highly valued in fields such as mechanical engineering, product design, manufacturing, and architecture.” He said. “Having these certifications on your resume can give you a competitive edge when seeking employment or promotion.”
Anson took the CSWP exam himself in January. “I thought it would be a good idea to have it if we were going to offer it to students.” He said.
WNY P-TECH is a full-day program lasting up to six years that allows students to earn an associate degree from SUNY Jamestown Community College in one of two pathways: Welding Technology or Mechanical Technology with a specialization in CADD or Machine Tools.
