If you were an engineer, what would you do?

A UK-wide STEM competition tasking students with interviewing an engineer, and identifying a problem in the world around them they want to solve.

Secondary

Ages 11 to 18+
In-school
1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026
Multi-session
Free

Run by Primary Engineer.

Enquire with provider

A free national STEM competition which challenges young people to think like engineers by interviewing a real engineer and identifying a problem in the world around them that they would like to solve.

All resources are curriculum‑mapped and freely accessible, and teachers receive direct support from the programme team to answer any questions.

Schools are connected with engineers who can visit classrooms in person or join online, giving pupils an authentic insight into engineering careers.

Each participant creates an annotated drawing of their invention and writes a letter explaining their idea. Entries are graded by engineering professionals, and every pupil receives a named certificate recognising their achievement. To make participation simple, FREEPOST is provided for submissions.

Outstanding designs are shortlisted for public exhibitions across the country, and winning pupils and their families are invited to regional Award Ceremonies held between May and July. These events celebrate creativity and innovation on a national stage, with thousands of ideas exhibited and hundreds of pupils recognised each year.

The competition offers an inspiring way to develop problem‑solving, literacy and communication skills while engaging with real engineers at no cost to schools.

Learning outcomes

Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Subjects and topics

- Computing
- Design and Technology
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- Biotechnology
- Chemical engineering
- Electronics, robotics and programming
- Energy and environment
- General engineering
- Materials, products and manufacturing
- Mechanical engineering, systems and processes
- Medicine and healthcare
- Space and aerospace engineering
- Structures, construction and civil engineering
- Transport

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills: