We are driving change in the broader engineering community to ensure that all of engineering is focused on creating a positive impact for all people, now and in the future. One example of that intention is through the open letter we collectively penned outlining the change needed in how engineers are educated and developed. Further examples of that work include, but are not limited to:
Engineers are increasingly required to work at the forefront of social and environmental challenges. Despite this, only 7% of UK engineering firms with a sustainability strategy say they have the skills to fulfil it (IET, 2021). The Engineering for People Design Challenge, a flagship initiative by Engineers Without Borders UK and South Africa, addresses this gap by empowering the next generation of engineers with the skills and insights needed for globally responsible engineering. The challenge, delivered during a pivotal moment in an undergraduate student’s career, encourages individuals to broaden their awareness of the social, environmental and economic implications of their engineering solutions. Since 2011, the Design Challenge has been delivered in Cameroon, South Africa, the UK and Ireland and the USA to over 70,000 students. Learn more.
Engineers Without Borders South Africa’s Just Infrastructure Lab is a volunteer-led portfolio that follows a project-centric and collaborative approach to support community-based nonprofits by harnessing its professional and student members to implement solar, water and other infrastructure solutions. Current active projects include supporting two children’s homes with their energy and water challenges. Learn more.
The EWB Challenge Series is EWB Australia’s suite of project-based learning opportunities, ready to be integrated into curriculum at any university year level. Each year, EWB works alongside our community partners to develop comprehensive real-world project briefs and the supporting learning content which enables students to dive deeply into a context from their classroom. Our academic partners utilise this material to bring to life the vital socio-technical skills and mindsets required to develop viable designs or research-based solutions in complex, real-world situations. EWB and our partners provide real-time stakeholder engagement opportunities across each semester, alongside end-of-year celebratory project showcases. Learn more.
To meet the needs of all people within planetary limits, we need engineers who can navigate complexity and deliver on society’s most urgent needs. The Competency Compass points the way forward, helping individuals, teams and organisations to reflect on their practice and grow their capabilities. Learn more.