Each year tens of thousands of pupils from the ages of 3-19 answer the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. Pupils are tasked with interviewing an engineer, identifying a problem in the world around them and then coming up with a creative solution to that problem. They create an annotated drawing of their idea and write a letter to an engineer.

We award every pupil with a personalised, graded certificate but to do this, we need your help to grade the entries. We’ll work through the entries and decide who will receive a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction Shortlisted grade.​

Our gradings days will be back in 2026. Keep an eye out for dates and locations then RSVP!

“This was my first Volunteering experience. It was fantastic, one of the funniest and most thought-provoking days ever. Some of the kids suggestions were hilarious, some sad, some sweet and even a few dark ones. There was a lot of thought and a lot of love gone into many of those suggestions. Instructors were great, supportive and helpful, thoroughly enjoyable day” – Ian, Thales

“It was the genuine joy of seeing what a young mind can create. To see that children of all the ages are able to think about a problem and come up with a solution is wonderful to see. Thank you” – Sam, Thales

“Writing a letter to a pupil who impressed me with their idea. I hope it makes their day. It’s great to support these initiatives because I’ve personally benefited from STEM ambassadors volunteering their time, so I would like to inspire young children” – Daniel, Siemens Energy

“It was such a fun experience that really makes you take a step back from your day to day work. I’ve been thoroughly inspired by the ideas pupils have come up with and loved the creativity. They quite often tugged at my heartstrings which made it so much harder to grade. It was so refreshing to transport into the minds of these pupils for a day. Definitely would do again next year, a really cool competition. My favourite designs were those that the stroke stopper and sign language translator” – Panxin, RRSMR

“Absolutely great day, so well organised. Staff are so friendly and easy to work with and get along with. The day went smoothly and we managed to grade everything that was given out on the day” – Josh RRSMR

“Excellent day, well organised and engaging. I intend to continue my support and engagement with Primary Engineer and will recommend to my colleagues they consider supporting” – Michael, CAA

Seeing how the imagination of these kids work is so interesting and comical at times! Hopefully this project can encourage young people in to the world of engineering when it comes round to choosing a career. – Josh Housley RR SMR