'Engineer of the Future' Workshop ... Thought, Practice, and Innovation
The “Engineer of the Future” workshop series, comprising 18 sessions, was held at the Qubailah School as part of the cultural summer festival activities, targeting children aged 9 to 12.
The workshop serves as an applied educational experience, introducing participants to the various stages of construction, from initial concepts and architectural design, through structural frameworks and material selection, to the mechanical and electrical systems within buildings. It also covers the fundamentals of smart buildings by highlighting the role of computers and artificial intelligence in their development. Over nine training days spread across three weeks, participants rotate through multiple roles, including architect, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, and electrical engineer, within a comprehensive practical project that culminates in the construction of a physical model reflecting what they have learned.
The workshop also includes field visits and practical applications, concluding with a presentation of participants’ projects at a closing ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Ahalam Hassan Shaaban, head and founder of the Future Engineers Group workshop, said: “I am delighted to be part of the third season of this workshop. We have been keen to expand the concept of engineering among our children, moving beyond theory alone. Instead, children experience engineering as thought, practice, and innovation. For this season, we added specializations in software, innovation, recycling, sustainability, environment, security, safety, and electricity, in addition to mechanical engineering and other disciplines.”
She added: “In this workshop, we introduce our children to the role of engineers in various aspects of life. Our goal is not merely to have children memorize information, but to build a generation that asks questions, analyzes, innovates, and understands that engineering is not just a university major; it is a mindset for creating solutions and building the future.”
She continued: “Today, we believe that the future of real investment begins with the child. Every small idea we plant today may tomorrow become a project or an invention that serves our country, God willing.”
Eng. Ahalam Hassan Shaaban also discussed her specialization in electrical engineering and solar panels, aiming to raise awareness and educate children on conservation, a matter of great importance, especially during this period, to promote the efficient use of electricity and water.
The second specialization is mechanical engineering, taught by Eng. Zahraa Amir, followed by environmental engineering with Eng. Latifa Al-Shatti, civil engineering with Engs. Khaled Al-Shamri and Ibrahim Al-Shaiji, software engineering with Mr. Muhammad Majid, and security and safety with Eng. Yusuf Al-Talihan.
She elaborated: “We have models demonstrating recycling and sustainability. This time, we chose to limit the workshop to two weeks due to the circumstances the region is experiencing. The sessions are held three days a week, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, targeting children aged 9 to 12. Twenty-four children participated in this workshop. When we published the announcement for five days, 70 children registered. From this number, we conducted interviews to select the 24 children who passed the assessment.”
She clarified that children receive gifts for their active engagement with the instructors, and there is an upcoming trip to the Science Center. At the end of the workshop, children will receive awards and certificates.
During the workshop, children will implement two projects: a house with a garage, where the door opens and closes via software, and a smart-controlled awning that opens when it rains and closes when the rain stops. Additionally, there is a project focused on security and safety, demonstrating how fire extinguishers operate during a fire.
In her concluding remarks, Engineer Ahlam Hassan Shaaban thanked the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters for providing this opportunity to participate in the Summer Cultural Festival program, which aims to educate our children and instill in them a love of knowledge and engineering concepts. She concluded by saying, “This is the next generation, and I hope we leave a positive imprint on them.”
