As the demand for STEM talent grows globally, educators and industry leaders are racing to spark curiosity in young minds before it fades. Through immersive bootcamps like those recently hosted by the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) and E2 Young Engineers Australia, children and teens are experiencing the hands-on thrill of design, robotics, and real-world problem-solving … long before high school graduation.
Igniting Curiosity Before It’s Too Late
For many students, the idea of becoming an engineer feels abstract; something distant, theoretical, and, too often, unattainable. Yet research shows that the seeds of career ambition are planted early.
According to Chee Wong, the Master Franchisee of E2 Young Engineers Australia, by the age of 12, over 80% of children have already decided whether or not they will pursue a STEM career. “Waiting until high school to capture their attention is simply too late,” said Wong.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and rapid innovation, early exposure to STEM concepts is critical, not just to fill future job pipelines, but to empower young people to see themselves as creators, problem-solvers, and change-makers.
The sooner they experience the real-world applications of science, engineering, and design, the more likely they are to build the confidence to pursue it.
That’s where initiatives like EIT’s Design & Prototyping Bootcamp and E2 Young Engineers Australia‘s Engineering and Robotics Holiday Camp step in. These programs aren’t just workshops, they’re strategic interventions, designed to ignite wonder, unlock creativity, and demystify what it means to be an engineer.
By engaging children and teens during their formative years, they offer a compelling glimpse of the future, one they can help build.
Building Real-World Skills at EIT’s Design & Prototyping Bootcamp
Held at EIT’s West Perth campus, the 1-Day School Holiday Engineering Bootcamp welcomed high school students into the world of design engineering and rapid prototyping.
Far from being a lecture-based session, the bootcamp immersed participants in a fully hands-on experience; from brainstorming and sketching to CAD modelling and 3D printing.
“We want students to see that engineering isn’t just about mathematics and theory, it’s about solving real problems and building things that make a difference,” said Indumathi V., the Deputy Dean of EIT.
Students were introduced to Autodesk Inventor, an industry-standard CAD tool, and challenged to design solutions based on real-world client needs. They practiced client-centered design, rapid ideation, and parametric modelling, mirroring the exact process used by professional engineers.
“Through this process, students gained experience in everything from digital prototyping to design-for-manufacture,” explained Dr Arti Siddhpura, EIT’s Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. “It wasn’t just about creating a product, it was about thinking like an engineer.”
By the end of the day, students had built and presented their own physical prototypes in a competitive challenge that emphasized teamwork, iteration, and communication; core competencies for any future engineer.
E2 Young Engineers: Introducing STEM Through Story, Play, and Precision
The following day, E2 Young Engineers Australia, in collaboration with EIT, hosted a two-day Engineering and Robotics Holiday Camp for students in grades three to seven.
With themes ranging from NASA missions to engineering mix-ups, the camp blended storytelling, problem-solving, and robotics to engage young learners where they are: curious, imaginative, and eager to explore.
“We often think career planning starts in high school, but most children have made decisions about STEM much earlier,” said Chee Wong. “If we wait, we miss the window.”
Each day, students completed three project-based builds using LEGO robotics and custom lesson plans tailored to different age levels. Despite being in the same room, students worked on differentiated tasks, ensuring that a Year 3 learner and a Year 6 coder both had meaningful, challenging experiences.
“We design our camps to scale in complexity,” Wong added. “Same models, different missions. Whether it’s wiring circuits, solving logic puzzles, or programming motors, we make sure every child is engaged at their own level.”
A Shared Mission: Building a STEM Pipeline That Starts Early
At the heart of both bootcamps is a shared belief: the future of engineering starts now.
By connecting students to mentors, tools, and hands-on experiences, both EIT and E2 Young Engineers Australia are planting the seeds of innovation early, while reinforcing a vital message: engineering is accessible, exciting, and within reach.
“Programs like these help students picture themselves as engineers,” said Indumathi V. “And that’s often the biggest barrier, believing they belong in this field.”
Beyond the technical skills, students walked away with confidence, inspiration, and the knowledge that their ideas can shape the world. Whether designing a prototype or building a LEGO rover, they weren’t just learning, they were engineering.
And in a world that needs more problem-solvers, thinkers, and builders, EIT and E2 Young Engineers Australia believe that’s exactly the kind of start that is needed.
