Train the trainers in industry 4.0: a model for the development of competencies in non-synchronous environments

Manufacturing is a critical component of the economy of industrialized nations. Training of the workforce is vital for the survival and competitiveness of manufacturing. New paradigms are needed to satisfy the demand for knowledge workers in this field. This paper presents the development of a training program for teachers who are trainers of competencies for Industry 4.0. Given the pace of technological change, the challenge was to reach the highest number of individuals in the shortest possible time. The program was divided into three stages. In the first one, conception stage, professors from different Tecnologico de Monterrey (Tec) campuses were selected to take an Industry 4.0 course that was adapted from existing courses at RWTH Aachen. In the second stage, training, the Tec teachers designed a course for other instructors that was adapted to the conditions in Mexico. In the third stage, replication, two more groups of professors were trained. To facilitate dissemination, we created a series of videos to facilitate non synchronous learning. The course was delivered using CANVAS. A laboratory session complemented the activities, and participants developed a project as part of their course work. This work describes the design and implementation of the program. In all, this program has helped 68 professors develop competencies related to the needs of Industry 4.0. Results of surveys show that participants felt that the program helped them develop competences that were later introduced in classes and projects.