Developing Student's Skills and Competencies in the Field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry 5.0 in Mexico

This innovative practice full paper describes implementing a challenge-based learning (CBL) strategy in civil engineering education to develop the discipline competencies needed for the next generation of workers in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry. First, it discusses the challenges and opportunities in the AEC following the 5th industrial revolution and highlights the required competencies. Next, we describe implementing a challenge-based learning (CBL) approach as an educational intervention for skills development in the final semester of a civil engineering program at a private Mexican Higher Education Institution. The challenge for the students was to design project components and plan the construction phase for a real construction company. This challenge encompasses everything from the pavement, hydrological studies, and the potable water network to the structural design of the architectural project. A Building Information Management (BIM) tool was included in the challenge for the first time. The entire process was conducted using the BIM methodology and advanced computational tools. The challenge accounts for the involvement of 16 specialized professors in various study areas, demonstrating the interdisciplinary approach taken in the program. From these experience results, it can be concluded that the students showed a genuine interest in the BIM methodology, which aims to integrate all areas of the construction processes through an organized and transparent workflow to avoid deviations and delays in deliverables. Furthermore, the manuscript explains the sessions with the training partner, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication between the students and the industry representatives. This needs negotiation, management, operational, digital, and advanced technical skills, which are aimed to be developed during this CBL intervention. Ultimately, this work highlights challenges, opportunities, and the importance of higher education in preparing students for their impact on the AEC Industry 5.0.