An information session held Jan. 23 by Boeing, one of Canada’s largest aerospace manufacturers, offered UWindsor engineering students the chance to learn about experiential learning opportunities at the company’s manufacturing facility in Winnipeg.

Phil Weissgaerber, an industrial engineer manager at Boeing, hosted the event in partnership with the office of co-operative education and workplace partnerships to recruit student talent and promote co-op placement opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in industrial or mechanical engineering. This was Weissgaerber’s first time visiting the UWindsor campus and touring the faculty of engineering.

“During my time on campus, I was extremely impressed by the amazing facilities within the engineering faculty, and also by the students,” says Weissgaerber. “They were very engaged in the information session and asked great questions. The University of Windsor is definitely a hidden gem in Canada.”

Jeff Quinlan, employer relations co-ordinator for co-operative education and workplace partnerships, says the event not only helped students learn about career opportunities outside Windsor-Essex, but helped them to make connections they could leverage in the future.

“These types of events give students the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the hiring processes of potential employers. Boeing’s visit to campus was especially helpful for students seeking employment outside our region, as they were able to connect directly with a representative to help make more informed decisions about their future,” he says.

More than 50 students attended to learn how they can gain real, hands-on experience in the aerospace industry, and to improve their chances of landing a job in Winnipeg. Boeing currently employs two UWindsor engineering grads with the hopes of hiring more students through the co-operative education program.