Empower3D: 3D Printing for primary school teachers 

'Empower3D' is an EU-funded project and 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

Courses will take place in three locations around Ireland throughout August 2025. Full details provided below:

1. Limerick

How to apply

Limited places are available on each course - APPLY HERE

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:

• >400 primary school teachers across six countries have been trained on how to design and print using a 3D printer.
• >5,500 primary school children across six countries have been involved the project.
• In Ireland, 120 teachers and >2,200 pupils have taken part in the program.