Fanshawe Global delivers customized training to Mexican students

This summer, Fanshawe Global delivered customized two-week training programs focused on the areas of science, technology, engineering, sustainability and innovation to 21 students from polytechnic universities located in the north-central Mexican state of Querétaro.

The training was developed at the request of the Querétaro Ambassadors Scholarship, which provides study abroad experiences as part of Mexico’s Higher Education Internationalization Strategy. This is the second year of the partnership, following a successful first cohort of 21 students last summer.

One group of 13 students spent most of their time focused on experiential learning activities within the aerospace and automotive sector:

• learning the fundamentals of advanced composite materials;
• visiting three aerospace, automotive and manufacturing facilities, including Diamond Aircraft, automotive components supplier SODECIA and construction contractor J-AAR to learn about the technology and innovation used in the sectors they serve; 
• trying their hand at the latest welding technology using advanced VR welding simulators; and 
• completing an inspection of a commercial vehicle. 

The other group of eight students received in-person training at Fanshawe’s School of Digital and Performing Arts focusing on: 

• conceptualization and sketching;
• 3D modelling and sculpting; 
• texturing; 
• storyboard development; and 
• motion capture. 

“It was amazing to see that in just two weeks these students worked hard to create an animated character in 3D and not only that but also produce a one and half minute video of 'La Parada' (the train stop) where we could see the animated characters brought to life!” said Rosa Cristina Aguilar, Fanshawe Global’s manager of global strategic initiatives.  

The students, representing the Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro (UNAQ), Universidad Politécnica de Querétaro (UPQ) and Universidad Politécnica de Santa Rosa Jáuregui (UPSRJ), received certificates for completing the 60 hours of in-person training.

“Special thanks to the Canadian Trade Commissioner in Ciudad de Mexico, our faculty members for delivering the program, as well to the management and staff of Merlin House residence, where all the participants were lodged during the program,” added Rosa.