Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The "Engineering League of St. Petersburg," an intensive educational program for schoolchildren, concluded at the Polytechnic University. Over 100 young engineers worked on their projects, which they presented at the final conference. The program was organized with the support of the St. Petersburg Employment Center.
Over the course of a month, participants immersed themselves in the world of modern technical creativity, going from idea to working prototype. Each project was supervised by experienced mentors from among Polytechnic University faculty and students.
Andrey Shirokikh, an engineer at the I. I. Kirillov Turbine Engineering Laboratory, and Nikita Izbyakov, an engineer at the Higher School of Power Engineering, taught the "3D Modeling of Aircraft" course. Participants mastered 3D modeling in KOMPAS-3D, working their way from designing the main components of an aircraft (chassis, fuselage, wings) to final model assembly, with a particular focus on additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
The "Virtual Designer" course focused on the fundamentals of shipbuilding. Together with Alexander Tupikov, an assistant at the Higher School of Mechanical Engineering, the students learned the basics, mastered 3D modeling, and learned how to calculate catamaran propeller parameters. This became the final project for the KOMPAS-3D modeling and propeller calculation course.
The "Circuitry" program focused on the fundamentals of designing devices using CAD and 3D printing, as well as practical application of Arduino programming. Under the guidance of Alexander Cheledkov, a student at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport, the students created a smart lighting system and a home delivery robot for transporting small loads.
Participants in the "Warehouse Industrial Robotics" program, led by Ivan Baranov, a student at the Institute of Computer Science, completed a comprehensive study of modern warehouse technologies. The program included CAD design and process automation programming, which enabled the development of a robotic loader for the smart warehouse of the future, capable of optimizing logistics operations.
The "Prototyping and Circuit Design Fundamentals" course was taught by Maxim Ruzakov, a research assistant in the Industrial Stream Data Processing Systems laboratory. The program included a sequential dive into the full device creation cycle: 3D modeling in Kompas-3D, circuit design, working with microcontrollers, and Arduino programming. The final project was a car with a collision avoidance system.
The 3D Printing and Prototyping course was taught by student Artem Lekhnovich. Participants learned 3D modeling and slicer tools, applying their knowledge to project work. The end result was a machine for producing filament from recycled plastic, addressing the challenge of sustainable development.
At the final conference, the best projects were presented, selected from each of the six areas. Participants presented functioning prototypes, demonstrating not only technical skills but also their ability to work in a team, solve complex engineering problems, and effectively present their developments to experts.
"The Engineering League is much more than just an intensive educational program. It's a launching pad for future engineers," commented Artem Egupov, Director of the Applicant Services Center. "Here, students gained invaluable project-based experience, worked with modern equipment, and saw their theoretical knowledge materialize into real devices. We don't just teach them engineering; we help them believe in themselves and understand that they are the future leaders who will shape the technological development of our country."
The project's main idea is to give young people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of technology and engineering solutions right during class. Classes held at the Polytechnic University created the necessary atmosphere and provided access to modern equipment. This helps clearly demonstrate that the engineering field is developing dynamically and is full of interesting challenges. The project's main goal is to demonstrate to young people the appeal of technical specialties and inspire them to choose the professions of the future. "That's why I consider our initiative important and am pleased with its successful implementation," noted Anna Shakhova, Head of the Career Development and Professional Development Department at the St. Petersburg Employment Center.
All participants received certificates, and the authors of the best projects were awarded diplomas and prizes. The "Engineering League of St. Petersburg" project has proven its effectiveness in early career guidance and developing a talent pool for high-tech industries.
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