Empower3D: 3D Printing for primary school teachers
'Empower3D' is an EU-funded project brought to you by I-Form (University College Dublin); ENSAM in France, and; Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. The project is also proudly supported by Stryker Ireland.
Teacher training programme
Are you curious about 3D printing? Would you like to explore a fun and challenging way to bring STEM and manufacturing into your classroom?
The 'Empower3D' project offers primary school teachers a comprehensive training course in 3D design and 3D printing. After the course, teachers are invited to run a sustainability-themed 3D printing challenge in the classroom, with support from local partners. No previous experience is necessary. The project is best suited to teachers of 2nd class up to 6th class. (See learning objectives below.)
Participating schools that do not already have access to their own 3D printer will be provided with a 3D printer for their school!
Unfortunately, EPV days are not available for this course.
Dates & locations
Applications for the 2025/26 training programme are now closed.
If you would like to be placed on a contact list to receive information regarding future training dates for the 2026/27 programme, please contact Michael at michael.golden@i-form.ie
3D Printing Challenge for Primary Schools
The 3D Printing Challenge Competition for 2025/26 is officially OPEN!
Put your 3D printing skills to the test by entering this year's challenge - it's a fantastic way for your pupils to learn and have fun, and we will have many great prizes to giveaway!
The theme for this year's Challenge is -
“Design and print an object that contributes to making your city, community or school more sustainable”
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 5th May 2026.
How to enter
- Please fill in this online form to register your interest
- Design and 3D print your proposed solution
- Create a short video (2-4 minutes) telling your story (a separate online form will be shared at a later date to submit your video entries)
Awards and Prizes
Teams will be in with a chance to win awards in two categories; 'Best Sustainable Design' and 'Best Learning Journey'. There will be prizes for the winners! The winners will be announced during an online showcase event in late May 2026 (date TBC).
For any questions, please contact Michael at michael.golden@i-form.ie
Learning objectives of the project
After the 3D printing training course, teachers have:
- Learned about the different components that make up a 3D printer
- Learned how to calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain and be safe with a 3D printer
- Experienced the Design Thinking process and learned how to implement it in the classroom
- Hands-on experience using design software and printing in 3D
- Learned about different printing filaments and their application
- Explored 3D design lesson plans designed for primary education settings
- Been invited to run a ‘sustainability challenge’ in the classroom, with support from industry and research partners
- Been invited to explore curriculum links for 3D printing
Previous participants said:
“I was nervous at first, but the step-by-step instructions, in a supportive environment, gave me the confidence to get up and running with this exciting technology.”
“The possibilities for the children are endless – it’s important to introduce them to the technologies they could be working with in the future, and to give them an enjoyable, self-directed experience.”
“The trainer and the I-Form and Stryker teams were so supportive and always available to answer any questions and help us on our 3D printing journey.”
Success to date
3D printing (known in the industry as additive manufacturing) is a key enabling technology of 'Industry 4.0' – a term used to signify the new era of industrial production, encompassing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and the Internet of Things. ‘Empower3D’ is an innovative project which recognizes that teachers are key influencers of the next generation but sometimes lack access to information and technology around the newest areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and manufacturing.
After four years of the project, highlights to date include:
- >500 primary school teachers across seven countries have been trained on how to design and print using a 3D printer.
- >8,000 primary school children across seven countries have been involved the project.
- In Ireland, 170 teachers and >3,000 pupils have taken part in the program.