
Siemens’ L.E.A.P. program is designed to give high school and technical school graduates a basic to advanced education as future CNC machinists.
Siemens has launched a new workforce development program for secondary and technical schools across America, called L.E.A.P. — the Lifelong Educational Advantage Program.
Made available through Siemens Cooperates with Education, the effort is designed to give high school and technical school graduates basic to advanced machine-tool knowledge that will benefit them in their future careers as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists.
Educational program L.E.A.P. starts with Sinutrain, a PC-based, control-identical training system. This software turns any PC screen into an exact representation of the Sinumerik Operate graphical user interface. The numeric kernel (NC) that drives Sinutrain also powers the Sinumerik 828D and 840D sl controls. Comprehensive knowledge doesn’t require investing in a machine, as all courses can be taught on a PC.
Through L.E.A.P., Siemens offers students and educators:
- PC-based training system using Sinutrain
- Same HMI, setup and simulation screens as actual machine controls
- Full basic-through- advanced CNC learning
- Modular content customized to curriculum
- Free instruction training, support and certification
- Hardware simulators
- Machine tool partners

Siemens provides participating schools with a complete installation of SinuTrain, its PC-based simulation software, to enhance the hands-on learning experience for students.
As part of the program, Siemens provides training courses in two machine tool disciplines: milling and turning. Courses are divided into levels with pre-requisites and each level receives a complete curriculum, which includes classroom and hands-on training models to increase student engagement and understanding.
Upon successful completion of each level, students receive Siemens L.E.A.P. Certifications documenting the advanced skill sets needed in today’s highly technical manufacturing careers.
“Currently, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) jobs are growing at 1.7 times the rate of non-STEM jobs,” said Brian Hamilton, CNC education manager, Siemens Industry, Inc. “Employers need graduates who are more than basic machine operators for basic parts cutting. Siemens CNC instruction best supports this career path from basic to advanced knowledge.”
Additionally, Siemens offers the instructional content and support that technical schools require. In partnership with machine tool builders such as EMCO, ROMI, INDEX, KNUTH, and others, Siemens addresses the need for skilled manufacturing labor by preparing students for a career in the job shop or production department environments.
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