INTEC launches methodology of the first DR Learning Factory
SANTO DOMINGO- Within the framework of the University-Business relationship, the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) presented members of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) the Learning Factory methodology, a hands-on, experiential learning environment that enables students to identify solutions or engage in real-world projects with industry partners, mentored by experienced professionals.
During the presentation of the initiative, Arturo Del Villar, INTEC Academic Vice Chancellor, expressed the importance of this methodology in the current economy, which allows improving the skills of engineering professionals to respond to the needs of the company in a highly competitive context while providing tools to students to be successful in his professional career.
“INTEC is committed to developing innovative solutions for the challenges faced by companies established in the country. The introduction of the Learning Factory is a unique opportunity to further this partnership, research and development,” he expressed.
Del Villar also referred to the growth of the Dominican economy and the new needs that the country deserves. “If we continue with that growth we will have a bright future, but we have to make sure that we have the workforce trained and prepared for that job that they will have in the future,” he said.
El AIRD Executive Vice President Mario Pujols, considered the industry-university link as a "fundamental and urgent" element for the development of the country, for which reason he recalled the alliance between academia, the government and the business sector that the association he represents has formed, in order to advance in topics of research, development, innovation and academic offer, responding to the needs of current industries.
"The presentation of the Learning Factory of the Penn State University Engineering Area will constitute a true learning factory in the country that will increase the ability to respond to our needs, by professionals graduated from INTEC," said Pujols.
He added that the joint commitment will open opportunities for young Dominicans "who embrace science and technology to achieve their dreams of progress, social advancement, contribution to our nation and who will be able to do so by responding to the real needs of companies."
At the launch of the program, the presentation was given by Luis Toirac, professor of Industrial Engineering y Jessica Féliz, general coordinator of the INTEC Laboratories.
Origin and facilities of being a sponsor company of the Learning Factory
The Learning Factory was conceived at Penn State University, USA, in 1994, and has completed more than 2,752 projects for more than 620 sponsors, with nearly 13,000 engineering students involved. Engineering student teams tackle business problems using the knowledge and tools acquired at the university, supported and sponsored by business.
Among the benefits that sponsors will have is the opportunity to obtain high-level talent for their companies with training appropriate to the needs of their industry, the creation of prototypes, machinery, devices and software. Likewise, the development of products and the redesign of facilities and processes, with low risk investment, low cost and high potential return on investment (ROI).
Likewise, they will have networking spaces with other companies through events organized on the project.