Allegan Tech Center student and senior at Otsego High School Jacob Austin has achieved what very few SolidWorks users do, earning the Certified SolidWorks Expert (CSWE) certification. Austin is the only student in Dr. Dale Quattrin’s twenty-six years of teaching Drafting and Engineering, seventh at the Allegan Tech Center to achieve this feat.
SolidWorks is a 3D parametric CAD (computer-aided design) software used by engineering, manufacturing, and product design companies worldwide. The software allows designers to build precise models of parts and assemblies that can be adjusted and refined through defined parameters, making it an essential tool in modern engineering and manufacturing.
According to Dr. Quattrin, the CSWE certification represents the highest level of mastery available within SolidWorks. “To qualify for the CSWE expert exam, candidates must first pass a series of advanced prerequisite tests in areas of Surfacing, Sheet Metal, Mold Tools, and Weldments,” he explained. “While SolidWorks does not publish exact numbers, only about 0.1% of all SolidWorks users have achieved expert status,” a statistic that underscores the rarity of Austin’s accomplishment, especially for a high school student.
“This certification is incredibly difficult to earn,” said Dr. Quattrin, “It requires not just strong technical skills but also determination, patience, and problem-solving ability. Jacob’s accomplishment reflects the very best of what we hope to see in our students: curiosity, persistence, and a passion for engineering.”
Austin’s journey to certification began with a deep interest in design and building. “I’ve always liked creating things and seeing how they work,” he said. “I really enjoyed the SolidWorks program, and over the last two months I focused on preparing for the exam. I felt confident going into it, but when I found out I passed, it was a great feeling.”
Austin is currently an engineering intern at Peloton Inc, a leading provider of custom machine design, mechanical design, control systems, and other engineering services in Otsego and is also a member of the Otsego Robotics team, both experiences that have allowed him to apply his design skills in real-world settings. His parents were “very proud and excited” when they heard the news, and Austin is already considering earning a few additional certifications before the school year ends.
Dr. Quattrin noted that accomplishments like this can open doors for students beyond high school. “This certification gives Jacob a tremendous resume booster and a competitive edge at any company that does mechanical or engineering design work,” he said. “It’s an internationally recognized benchmark that many companies use for hiring, salary, and promotions.”
After graduation, he hopes to attend Michigan Technological University, where he plans to study engineering. “Jacob’s success shows what’s possible when students combine their classroom learning with hands-on experience and personal drive.” said Dr. Quattrin. “He’s setting a new standard for what our students can achieve.”
Austin’s accomplishment not only reflects his hard work and talent but also highlights the strength of the engineering program at the Tech Center, a program that prepares students for high-demand careers through authentic, industry-based learning experiences.