Current estimations e.g. on climate change and loss of
biodiversity have transformed sustainability as one of the most influential
global trends. For example, universities promote sustainability as their core
value and include sustainability related content in their curricula. These
actions are consistent with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) proposed by
United Nations. Engineers are essential for achieving SDGs since their skills
and know-how are required to present estimations, develop and implement
technological solutions and transform processes. Accordingly, engineering
education is in key role to foster these competences and related values.

Hence, we study in this paper values and competences
related to sustainability among engineering students in Finland. Our research
questions are: How do engineering students perceive the importance of
sustainable development for their future professional career and how have they
developed in studies? Are engineering students willing to advance SDGs as part
of their upcoming career? To answer these questions, data from two separate
surveys are analysed. The data of the first survey was collected during 2016–2018,
which focused on engineering students on the brink of graduation. The second
survey focused on engineering students from the second year onwards and the
data was collected in 2019. The preliminary analysis shows that engineering
students do not perceive sustainability as an important competence in
engineering careers. Accordingly, their competences related to sustainability
evolve less during studies compared with other engineering skills and
competences. However, students expressed their will to advance sustainable
development through their professional careers.