This summer, Fanshawe Global delivered customized two-week training programs focused on the areas of science, technology, engineering, sustainability and innovation to 12 teachers and 21 students from six polytechnic universities 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. It was delivered between Fanshawe’s Aviation Centre, the Advanced Business and Industry Solutions (ABIS) location on Bonder Road and the Downtown Campus.
While the teachers received virtual training around innovation in the post-secondary sector (e.g., leadership styles, change management and building innovation culture) followed by a one-week trip to Fanshawe to get hands-on training related to the aerospace sector, the students were split into two cohorts.
One group of 13 students focused on the aerospace and automotive sector:
- learning the fundamentals of advanced composite materials;
- visiting three aerospace and automotive facilities, including Diamond Aircraft and the CAMI assembly plant to learn about the technology and innovation used in the sector;
- 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 exclusively at the School of Digital and Performing Arts, focusing on:
- conceptualization and sketching;
- 3D modelling and sculpting;
- texturing;
- storyboard development; and
- motion capture.
“My experience at Fanshawe has been an amazing, eye-opening experience,” said Uriel López Carlos, a student from Politécnica Santa Rosa. “I look forward to expanding the knowledge that I got here and maybe one day come back to Canada as I had an incredible experience here.”
The Querétaro scholars came from the following universities:
- Universidad Politécnica de Querétaro
- Universidad Tecnológica de Corregidora
- Universidad Tecnológica de San Juan del Río
- Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro
- Politécnica de Santa Rosa
- Universidad Tecnológica de Querétaro
“When we were approached by the Education Trade Commissioner from the Canadian Embassy in Mexico to bid for this project, we thought immediately it was a fit for us because this is precisely what we do at Fanshawe Global!” said Rosa Cristina Aguilar, Fanshawe Global’s director of international outreach. “Our trainers, staff and guest company partners were thrilled to have such a varied and talented group of young students and teachers, who did amazing along the implementation of the program. Looking forward to a repeat next year.”
“Special thanks to the Canadian Trade Commissioner in Ciudad de Mexico, the international coordinators at the six Mexican polytechnic universities, our partners and 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.”