Seed of an engineer: Shaping tomorrow's workforce in Belley

Challenging stereotypes before they take hold

It started at TTI in Lyon, France, with a box of Lego and a simple question: what does an engineer look like? Today, the initiative is expanding across the Volvo Group, extending its impact far beyond its original home.

“Seed of an Engineer” was created to challenge stereotypes that many of us grew up with: that some careers, interests and even toys, are "for boys" while others are "for girls". Research shows that many of these perceptions become established around the age of 10, making primary school years a critical moment to broaden horizons and inspire new possibilities.

"I have two very young daughters and, ever since they were born, questions have kept bouncing around in my mind: what can I do for their future? How can I help shape the world they will grow up in?

“When I heard through the WIN network about a program launching at TTI for young children, I immediately signed up. Whilst this helps shape a more diverse workforce for the future, this isn't only a program for kids. It's a nudge for the rest of us, something that applies to all roles, across all our teams, to hold onto that same curiosity at work: to explore, to question the norms we take for granted in the machines, roles, and the industry we work in, and to help build the world we want to live in." Camille Maury Hours, Operational Excellence Program Leader, Volvo CE.

Learning through hands-on discovery

The free, volunteer-led program is open to students from Grades 3 to7. Through a series of activities, children explore Volvo's value chain, from production to sales, while exploring four key themes:

1. What is an engineer?

2. What is an invention?

3. Who gets to invent?

4. What inventions have women created throughout history?

Schools are reached through employee volunteers, helping the program connect directly with local communities.

Building confidence, creativity and teamwork

The hands-on activities are where the program comes to life.

Children first assemble miniature Volvo machines using custom designed Lego kits. They are then challenged to invent something that would improve everyday life at school using a box of unsorted Lego. Working in mixed teams of four or five they collaborate, experiment and present their ideas.

The results often surprise the Volvo teams running the sessions. Free from many of the assumptions adults accumulate over time, children invent without hesitation, approaching problems with confidence and curiosity. Their ideas highlight the value of diverse perspectives and collaborative thinking.

The program has a dual purpose inspiring the engineers, innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow while also challenging stereotypes before they become entrenched. Every session is also led by women from across Volvo CE, helping quietly broaden children’s understanding of who can work in engineering and technology.

A local initiative with global relevance

While this initiative is taking place in Belley, the program’s impact reaches far beyond.

Across Volvo CE and the wider industry, innovation depends on diverse talent, different perspectives, and inclusive workplaces. By engaging children early and challenging gender stereotypes, “Seed of an Engineer” helps build a stronger foundation for the workforce of the future.

Powered by volunteers

None of this happens without its people. Camille Maury Hours leads the program for Volvo CE, Benjamin Maury Hours at Volvo TTI has adapted the design Lego machine miniatures for Volvo CE and Hanna Hrebeniuk is bringing the initiative to life through graphics and designs.

In Belley, the program is being run by volunteers Corinne Delboulbe, Marion Moly, Stéphanie Coen, Nathalie Blanc, Joséphine Salvatore and Hui-I Tsai.

Bring the program to your community

“Seed of an Engineer” started with one team and one classroom. Today, it is growing across the Volvo Group. The program is designed to be replicated and adapted locally, helping more children discover that innovation is for everyone.

If your site would like to help inspire future talent and challenge stereotypes, reach out to the program team. It's built to travel.