13 May 2025
Primary Engineer Programme Sparks Edinburgh’s Young Talent
10 Edinburgh schools benefitted from practical STEM training through a Robertson funded initiative
Programme Delivery
Primary Engineer, a non-profit programme geared towards bringing vital engineering skills into classrooms was delivered by Robertson Construction Central East.
The educational programme combines an eclectic mix of engineering and construction opportunities through engaging resources, hands-on challenges, and direct mentorship from industry professionals.
The programme was launched in schools on 7 November 2024 and funded by Robertson to enable primary schools to effectively deliver STEM to young learners by providing staff with a full training day, practical toolkits and Robertson specialists.
Alanna Miller, Quantity Surveyor, and Greg Binnie, Site Manager, Robertson Group, played key roles as the classroom engineers leading the programme. They guided pupils through their hands-on builds, shared personal career journeys, and highlighted how engineering and construction shapes the world around us.
Driving Staff Engagement
A key component of the programme involved a CPD training day for teachers delivered by industry professionals. This equipped teachers with the tools, confidence and long-term strategies to embed STEM into the classroom and beyond the sessions.
The teachers and pupils alike embraced the challenges, developing vital engineering skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
Empowering Young Girls in STEM
The programme placed a strong focus on inclusivity, particularly, encouraging young girls to see themselves in engineering roles.
Alanna Miller witnessed the powerful impact of female representation and engagement during her visit to Stockbridge Primary:
“The teacher asked if the kids were interested in construction and so many girls raised their hands and said they wanted to be just like me, which was incredibly positive,” Alanna said. “I want to be a positive role model for young girls, and I tried to get that across that there are women in construction and that I really enjoy my role.”
Future Engineers in the Making
The young people were provided with dynamic construction toolkits, like those used by Robertson construction employees engaging creativity and problem-solving skills with real-life tools.
Each of the 10 schools hosted sessions for 60 pupils, who worked in pairs on two engineering challenges. Lower Primary pupils built 15 shoebox dumper trucks, while Upper Primary pupils constructed tower projects incorporating electrical circuits.
Inspired by the dedicated engineers, the learners asked a variety of questions in relation to the role such as what tools they use, what a typical day involves and how engineers fix problems.
At the end of the sessions, the best model from each school will be put forward for an award, with judging based on functionality and design.
Celebrating Success
The programme will end on Tuesday 20 May with a celebration event bringing all 10 schools together. Pupils will showcase their final projects, share reflections, and be recognised for their creativity and innovation. This event will celebrate achievement and encourage further exploration into STEM.
Greg Binnie reflected on the experience and the enthusiastic welcome he received from the pupils:
“Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect from going into schools and delivering these sessions. But I was amazed at the effort and interest shown by the young people. While we’re judging design, I’m looking forward to testing the dumper truck models out on the ramps to see how functional they are too.”
Successful Outcomes
This strong partnership highlights the positive impact of collaboration between education and industry. By engaging pupils early, especially those from underrepresented groups, Robertson is helping to build a more diverse, skilled and inspired future workforce.
As Lynsey Binnie put it:
“Look out for lots of Dean Park Primary engineers in the future!
