Mentor Graphics Offers Free Training to Displaced Engineers

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 2002--Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT - News) today announced that it will provide Electronic Design Automation (EDA) training to recently displaced electronic design professionals at no charge.

Through the new Displaced Worker Program, the company will offer free course placements to unemployed engineering staff, on a 'space available' basis, in its public enrollment training classes. The program enables engineers to enhance technical skills and gain experience in the use of leading-edge technologies for programmable logic design, printed circuit board (PCB) design and integrated circuit design and verification.

The courses will first be offered to qualified candidates in all North American Mentor Graphics training locations, including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Portland and San Jose. A complete list of course descriptions, schedules and training locations is available at http://www.mentor.com/es.

According to data from the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for all engineers increased from 3.6 percent in the first quarter of 2002 to 4.0 percent in the second quarter. The unemployment rate for electrical and electronics engineers alone rose from 4.1 percent to 4.8 percent.

"These are trying times for the engineering community and we hope that this program helps displaced workers stay on the forefront of new technical proficiencies as they prepare for new roles," said Greg Hinckley, president, Mentor Graphics. "The courses we offer are in the cutting-edge technology areas, from next-generation programmable logic design to printed circuit board design, and they make use of our leading product offerings that have a global installed base."

Qualifying candidates for the Displaced Worker Program must meet terms and conditions for attendance. As a guideline, students should have a bachelor's or master's degree in electronic engineering or comparable design experience. Specific courses may have additional prerequisites. Most courses are available year-round and have a limited number of seats. If no seats are available due to customer enrollment, program candidates will be placed on a waiting list for the next class.

For more information and to apply for the Displaced Worker Program please visit www.mentor.com/es/dwp.

About Mentor Graphics Corp.

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT - News) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $600 million and employs approximately 3,700 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

Mentor Graphics is a registered trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

     Mentor Graphics
     Leanne White, 503/685-1984
     leanne_white@mentor.com
     or
     Weber Shandwick
     Jeremiah Glodoveza, 415/354-8375
     jglodoveza@webershandwick.com