AspenTech Launches Training Boosting New Engineers

AspenTech training program aims to bring newly‑graduated engineers up to speed in asset‑intensive industries, offering a curriculum that covers process, control, reliability, supply‑chain planning and cost estimation.

Program designed for a shifting workforce

The initiative responds to a demographic shift highlighted in a recent report on energy workforce gaps. The study found that professionals under 32 now make up 43 % of technicians and 25 % of engineers in the sector. As veteran staff retire, companies face pressure to retain critical knowledge while onboarding younger talent.

David Reumuth, senior director of customer support and training at AspenTech, said the need to “nurture and uphold organisational proficiency” has become urgent. He noted the new curriculum expands on earlier sustainability‑focused courses, providing a broader set of industry‑specific skills.

Curriculum built with industry partners

Development involved collaboration with Becht, an engineering services firm with six decades of experience across energy, chemicals, power and alternative energy. Together they created an integrated set of courses that simulate real‑world scenarios in process, refining and chemicals operations.

The program is offered both virtually and in live classrooms. Instructors are domain experts who have spent years on the plant floor, allowing participants to ask questions that relate directly to their day‑to‑day challenges.

So far, more than 1,000 users from over 150 companies have enrolled. Attendance spans continents, reflecting the global demand for structured onboarding pathways.

From a practical standpoint, the training gives fresh engineers a clearer picture of what daily operations look like, which could shorten the time they need to become productive contributors. For companies, the benefit is a smoother transition as older staff depart, reducing the risk of knowledge loss.

Reception and impact

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. According to the program’s internal survey, 99 % of the new‑generation participants believe that specialized training should be a prerequisite for entering process industries. Moreover, 96 % say they feel better equipped to succeed after completing the courses.

These numbers suggest the curriculum is meeting a real need, though the long‑term effects on retention and performance remain to be seen.

Beyond the core technical modules, the curriculum explicitly addresses the roles of reliability engineers and supply‑chain planners, recognizing that modern asset‑intensive operations demand cross‑functional insight. By weaving cost‑estimation techniques into the learning path, participants gain exposure to the financial implications of operational decisions, a skill set that traditionally required years of on‑the‑job experience.

The partnership with Becht also brings a depth of sector‑specific knowledge that goes beyond generic engineering theory.

Instructional design emphasizes interactive problem‑solving, with virtual labs that replicate control system interfaces and process simulation tools. This hands‑on approach helps bridge the gap between academic preparation and the subtle realities of plant operation, supporting confidence among newcomers as they transition into their first professional assignments.

By positioning the training as a prerequisite, AspenTech signals to employers that a baseline of industry‑focused competence is now expected of entry‑level talent. This shift may encourage firms to integrate the program into their recruitment pipelines, ensuring that new hires arrive with a shared foundation of knowledge that aligns with the company’s operational standards.