In what’s called the largest grant ever made to the college, Vance-Granville Community College has received a $31 million software grant from Siemens PLM Software.

The in-kind grant is seen as a way to help boost work force development, VGCC and Siemens say.

PLM stands for property lifecycle management.

“Despite an immediate, critical need for qualified technology-trained professionals in manufacturing, our customers have difficulty finding qualified candidates,” said Dora Smith, global director of the Academic Partner Program for Siemens PLM Software, said in announcing the grant.

“Working with Vance-Granville Community College, Siemens PLM Software is helping prepare students with the knowledge and experience to fill this skills gap and become highly qualified employees.”

PLM software is used in a wide number of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, shipbuilding, and high-tech electronics, around the world. 

Siemens also has provided VGCC with Solid Edge software for 3D design, simulation, visualization, manufacturing and design management.

VGCC is using the software in its Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program.

“Vance-Granville Community College would like to thank Siemens PLM Software for this generous grant of advanced engineering software that enables our students to better prepare for successful advanced technology careers,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC. in the announcement, which was made last week.

“By using the same technology in the classroom that is used by companies all over the world to develop a wide variety of products, our students gain important real-world experience during their studies that will serve them well after graduation.”

VGCC provides higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.