Siemens wins ABET nod for digital industry microcredential pilot

Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that its Expedite - Skills for Industry microcredential has received formal recognition from ABET, the global nonprofit quality assurance organisation.

ABET has introduced a new recognition process for credentials issued by industry, professional associations, and educational providers, with Siemens acting as its exclusive industry pilot partner. This development marks the first instance where ABET has recognised an industry-issued stand-alone credential following a pilot phase evaluation. The move is intended to provide a benchmark in quality assurance for workforce development efforts.

According to Siemens Digital Industries Software, the ABET recognition serves as validation for its vision to prepare the workforce for future industry demands.

"ABET recognition of Siemens' Expedite - Skills for Industry microcredential validates our vision for future-ready workforce development," said Dora Smith, Senior Director, Future Workforce and Academic Strategy, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "This milestone reflects our commitment to empower both talent and industry with accessible learning pathways that lead to verifiable digital skills."

Jessica Silwick, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ABET, commented on the evolution of ABET's quality assurance processes through this collaboration.

"This recognition also demonstrates ABET's commitment to evolving its quality assurance processes to meet the changing landscape of education and industry," said Silwick. "We are proud to collaborate with Siemens in setting new standards for credentialing excellence."

The Expedite - Skills for Industry microcredential was launched globally on Coursera earlier in the year, having previously been introduced at Realise LIVE Americas. The four-course credential is designed to provide learners with fundamental knowledge in digital transformation, systems thinking, and industrial innovation.

Since its launch, the credential has seen more than 300 enrolments in its first month, with continued demand from students, educators, and industry professionals worldwide.

To evaluate the credential, ABET's assessment team reviewed data from a pilot programme. This included over 200 students from seven universities, and focused on the microcredential's structure, intended learning outcomes, and processes for continual quality improvement. The resulting recognition affirms Siemens' approach to creating scalable learning experiences intended to address gaps between academic training and industry needs.

Academic partners involved in the pilot noted increased engagement and perceived value across different student cohorts.

"Our collaboration with Siemens on the Expedite - Skills for Industry microcredential has sparked tremendous interest. While freshmen and sophomores valued the broad exposure, upper-level students saw clear career relevance in areas such as design and manufacturing, digital twins, PLM and AI," said Magda Lagoudas, Executive Director, Industry/Nonprofit Partnerships and Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M University College of Engineering. "Combining industry-driven programs with the stamp of ABET makes these microcredentials especially valuable - broadening education beyond disciplines and building early awareness of industry trends that shape future careers."

The partnership between Siemens and ABET is intended to strengthen pathways for students and professionals to develop competencies aligned with industry requirements, particularly as digital transformation continues to reshape industrial sectors. The focus on microcredentials reflects a growing trend towards flexible, targeted learning to supplement traditional degrees and qualifications.

The Expedite - Skills for Industry microcredential aims to support Siemens' ongoing efforts to enhance digital workforce skills by making industry-aligned knowledge more accessible. This recognition by ABET establishes a precedent for similar initiatives to seek external quality assurance and industry relevance.