The problem-based learning program, geared toward fostering a passion for engineering in primary school students, has been expanded in 2025 to run in Term 2 with four schools and in Term 3 with an expected five schools.

Last year Engineers Australia's South Australia Division, through the Industry Reference Group – Engineering, worked with the SA Department of Education to help set up the program designed for students in Years 4–6.

In the pilot, over the course of 10 weeks, students had three class sessions with our engineering volunteers. Week one saw the engineers explain a problem for the students to solve. Students then worked with their teachers' support for two sessions per week, dedicated to exploring and coming up with solutions for the problem.

The engineers visited mid-term to review the students’ draft solutions and offer expert advice. Finally, they returned to the classroom to view the student presentations and help celebrate their achievements.

After the success of the pilot, the program is growing, with Engineers Australia volunteers partnered with two regional and two metro-based schools for Term 2.

South Australia’s General Manager Jan Irvine is delighted the program is reaching more students.

“Introducing young students to the reality of an engineering career, enabling them to picture themselves as engineers and as problem solvers is such an important step to ensure we have a strong engineering talent pipeline going forward,” Ms Irvine says.

“It’s brilliant to work with the SA Department of Education on a program we know will have a positive impact on the next generation.”

Engineers Australia provide support and advice for the volunteer engineers, starting with a briefing session hosted in our Adelaide office to set our them up to effectively engage with primary age students.

The Department of Education also provide professional development and support for the teachers facilitating these lessons and map the problems to the Australian Curriculum.

We could not participate in this rewarding program without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers.