I start every game putting the the adult male farming, the adult female researching and the oldest child building. Every one of my games also has started with a 13 year old child. As soon as the 13 year old becomes 14, I start that child building. I have been able to get three master builders early on (except the one time that I did not do it this way -- then it took forever). Once another child reaches 14, I put that child on the research table. Has worked every time I've followed this formula. I know, I didn't mention a third builder, that is usually the 4th child to reach 14. By then, I often have enough tech points to buy engineering.

Anyway, it definitely can be done, but you must plan it out (whaterver way works best for you) and then keep on them for quite some time, until they become adept at least.

Hope that helps.