"My favourite part was seeing how the 3D printer and laser cutting machines worked. It was really inspiring being shown around the workshops and seeing what I could do next year."
Ben said he had not decided what specific type of engineering he wanted to do because "everything sounded great".
Year 11 to 13 students from 30 schools around New Zealand took part in the four-day camps at Massey University's Manawatu and Albany campuses. The students were exposed to innovative technologies including laser cutting, biofuels and rapid prototyping on 3D printers.
Participants were also asked to find a transportation solution for 2070 when the world's population was expected to reach nine billion. Popular ideas involved self-driving automated cars, magnetic trains and high speed tubes to transport people.
A Government report estimates New Zealand needs 500 more engineering graduates per year by 2017 to meet demand.
Massey University senior lecturer Dr Huub Bakker said the camp was supporting the Government's aim to address a shortage in engineering graduates.
"We need twice as many engineers in New Zealand so there's plenty of work out there.
"Massey's Bachelor of Engineering is the most hands-on degree in the country so at the camp we wanted the kids to practically experience the new technologies they will be working with and show them what it is actually like to be an engineer," he said.
