Recognizing the impact of today’s economic challenges, Autodesk launched the Autodesk Assistance Program in 2009. The program provides displaced engineers, architects and designers with design software tools, education and resources that can help them enhance, maintain and develop their 3D design technology skills and remain competitive in the marketplace.

With more than 16,000 participants worldwide, the Autodesk Assistance Program has been extended through January 31, 2011.

 “The Autodesk Assistance Program demonstrates our support for users of our software,” said Ken Bado (right), executive vice president of sales and services, Autodesk. “Many design professionals want to maintain and sharpen their technology skills during this economic downturn, and we’re pleased to be able to help them increase their chances of successfully re-entering the workforce.”

Through the Autodesk Assistance Program, members of the architecture, engineering, design and manufacturing communities receive:

a.. Free* Software License: Student licenses of over 25 Autodesk products, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Revit software and other industry-focused products that support Building Information Modeling and Digital Prototyping workflows.

b.. Free Online Training: On-demand online training available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

c.. Classroom Training: Many Autodesk Authorized Value Added Resellers and Autodesk Training Center (ATC) partners are offering classroom training at their facilities at a discounted price for Autodesk Assistance Program members. (Offers vary by partner; please check with your local ATC or reseller for details.)

d.. Certification: Certification exams available at discounted rates through Autodesk Authorized Certification Centers (Offers vary; please check with your local Certification Center for details.)

e.. Software Discounts: Commercial product discounts are available for select products exclusively for Autodesk Assistance Program members, or employers that hire them. Contact your local Autodesk Authorized Value Added Reseller for more information about this and other programs (approval by an Autodesk Territory Manager required).

Enrollment in the Autodesk Assistance Program will close on January 31, 2011. The last day to download licenses under the program will be January 31, 2011. Licenses will continue to function for the duration of the term, which begins on the date of activation. All online Autodesk resources such as training will terminate on January 31, 2011.

Those eligible can visit www.autodesk.com/assistance to register.

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.