The positive results from a novel approach to provide corporate high-level training to Boeing Australia professionals about critical aspects of software engineering, both generically and specifically at Boeing, are provided in this paper. This courseware is not intended to replace the software engineering body of knowledge (SWEBOK) or other industrial initiatives to prepare graduate software engineers to function productively, and is specifically targeted at meeting the needs of non-information technology (IT) personnel who may participate in software projects or who simply need to know the basics about software development and maintenance.

What better way to accomplish the learning objectives and connect with the local post-secondary academic community than to enlist the help of a local university? The result of this collaborative arrangement is clearly illustrated in the text—both sides are winning big: the university benefits by reaching out to the community and gaining the input of one of the local community’s largest employers, and Boeing gains from having professional curriculum designers and trainers involved in course design. Attendees of the courses over the past 18 months or so endorse the program with positive feedback, and provide needed input on missing elements and ideas for improving the courses. Hopefully, future papers will report on the increased levels of quality due to increased understanding of the software development life cycle and prerequisite user involvement based on the Boeing courses.

I recommend this paper to anyone charged with creating a similar program for nontechnical professionals, because of the lessons learned and iterative reporting provided.