The EngenhAção Seminar brought together industry leaders to discuss the challenges of educating future engineers and the profession’s impact on the country’s economic, technological and social development.
Rosemeri Francener, CEO of DR Aromas & Ingredients, participated last Thursday (November 4) in the EngenhAção Seminar, held in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. During the event, she joined the panel “Economic, Technological and Social Development: How to Inspire Children’s Interest in Mathematics and Encourage Future Generations to Choose Engineering”, alongside Willian Oliveira, Engineering Manager at ENGIE Brasil; Gilberto Seleme, President of FIESC; and Cleverson Siewert, Santa Catarina’s State Secretary of Finance.
During the discussion, panelists explored ways to bring engineering closer to younger generations, highlighting the importance of fostering interest in mathematics and science from the earliest stages of education. The debate also addressed the role of schools, universities, companies and professional organizations in developing future talent, the need to expand hands-on learning experiences, and the impact of the shortage of engineering professionals on the country’s capacity for innovation and growth.
“Inspiring interest in engineering begins by showing young people the impact this profession has on people’s lives. When we connect students with the reality of businesses, innovation and industrial challenges, learning becomes more meaningful and helps reveal career opportunities they may not yet know exist. Educating future engineers is a shared responsibility among schools, universities and companies, because these professionals will be responsible for developing the solutions that drive the country’s competitiveness, sustainability and growth,” said Rosemeri.
Supporting the development of future professionals is also part of DR Aromas & Ingredients’ commitment. For nearly 30 years, the company has maintained the Imersão Program, an initiative designed to connect academia and industry through participation in academic weeks, technical visits, lectures, internship programs and other knowledge-sharing activities. The program provides students with direct exposure to professional challenges and demonstrates how engineering contributes to the development of solutions for the food and beverage industry. DR also maintains partnerships with educational institutions, expands opportunities for students and recent graduates, and continuously invests in employee development.
The discussion was part of the EngenhAção Program, an initiative carried out by Grupo ND in partnership with the National Academy of Engineering (ANE), CREA-SC, ENGIE, and DR Aromas & Ingredients. The program aims to bring engineering closer to society, increase awareness of its various fields of practice, and encourage children and young people to pursue engineering careers by highlighting the profession’s contribution to the country’s economic, technological and social development.
As a supporter of the initiative, DR recently opened its laboratories, pilot plants and Research & Development facilities to demonstrate how food, chemical and production engineers transform scientific knowledge into food and beverage solutions that are part of consumers’ everyday lives.
The subject is particularly relevant given the challenges currently faced by the sector. Brazil is estimated to have a shortage of approximately 75,000 engineers and may require around 500,000 additional professionals by 2030, driven by investments in infrastructure, energy transition and technological innovation. In contrast, enrollment in traditional engineering programs has declined by approximately 50% over the past decade. In Santa Catarina, where the economy relies heavily on industrial, technology, logistics and construction sectors, the shortage of engineering professionals represents a significant challenge for business competitiveness, infrastructure expansion and economic development.
(Sources: CREA-SC, Government of Santa Catarina, Revista Ensino Superior, IBRA and industry studies.)
Q&A | EngenhAção and DR Aromas & Ingredients
1. What is the EngenhAção Program?
The EngenhAção Program is an initiative led by Grupo ND in partnership with the National Academy of Engineering (ANE), the Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy of Santa Catarina (CREA-SC), ENGIE, and DR Aromas & Ingredients. The program aims to connect engineering with society, promote awareness of its different fields of practice, and inspire children and young people to pursue engineering careers.
2. What are the main challenges in educating new engineers in Brazil?
The main challenges include declining enrollment in traditional engineering programs, the need to encourage interest in mathematics and science among children and young people, and a lack of experiences that connect academic learning with professional practice. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among schools, universities, companies and professional organizations.
3. Why is engineering education important for economic development?
Engineers play a key role in developing technologies, improving industrial processes, and delivering infrastructure, energy and innovation projects. A shortage of engineering professionals can limit business competitiveness, delay investments and reduce the economic growth potential of both Brazil and Santa Catarina.
4. How does DR Aromas & Ingredients support the development of future engineers?
For nearly 30 years, DR Aromas & Ingredients has maintained the Imersão Program, which connects academia and industry through academic events, technical visits, lectures, internship opportunities and other knowledge-sharing initiatives. The company also partners with educational institutions, offers opportunities to students and recent graduates, and invests in employee training and development.
5. What is the participation of women in engineering at DR Aromas & Ingredients?
Currently, approximately 40% of the engineers at DR Aromas & Ingredients are women. This figure highlights the growing presence of women in the company’s technical areas and underscores the importance of expanding access to engineering education and career opportunities for diverse talent profiles.
