CATIA Project

REA & F1 in Schools at Menai High
This program, which is provided by the Re-Engineering Australia Forum (REA), involves students creating a small formula one car from scratch. Principle Edith McNally says that this project, which involves using the latest technology to design and manufacture their own model car, is a perfect opportunity for industry to be brought into the school's curriculum and equip students with practical trade skills and knowledge.

The CATIA Project is now underway with participation by ten schools, Red River College, and the Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba. The Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) and Manitoba Aerospace are also involved in an advisory and support capacity.

Project partners attended a one-day introductory seminar in Winnipeg on October 22, 2007. The objective of the seminar was to gain a project overview and receive technical information from David Livingstone from Engineering.com, the license provider. All participants received their software packages at the session. David has also provided a good deal of online help for installation and issuing of licenses.

Paul Bray, General Manager from Re-Engineering Australia, visited Manitoba on January 22-24 to provide project participants with a comprehensive overview of CATIA’s role in the F1 in Schools project which they developed in Australia and which has since grown to a worldwide competition. Paul also made presentations to Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior officials from Education, Citizenship and Youth, Advanced Education and Literacy and Competitiveness, Training and Trade as well as business and industry leaders. The project concept and the exciting opportunities for students were enthusiastically supported.

REA, in conjunction with Dassault Systemes, generously provided the services of Nathan Warner, one of Australia’s top experts in the use and application of CATIA design software at aa week long training session, March 17-20, 2008. The training was held at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba and involved over 30 participants, almost half of them students.

TVI set-up a Denford CNC machine at the lab and every student was able to design and machine the body for an F1 racer. Technical support at the lab was provided by Professor Chris Laing and resident technician Virgil Sumaling.