SolidWorks and Autodesk offer programs to help out-of-work engineers

With the stated goal of assisting out-of-work engineers, both SolidWorks and Autodesk have announced programs to help engineers beef up their CAD skills.

The SolidWorks Engineering Stimulus Package provides a 90-day version of SolidWorks 3D CAD software, training materials a chance at certification, and job leads to any U.S. or Canadian resident seeking to develop, upgrade, or refresh 3D CAD skills that employers need.

The Autodesk Assistance Program offers 13 month access to student license of AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, Autodesk Inventor Professional, and AutoCAD Civil 3D, and includes online training and discounts on certification testing.