This study reflects on the importance of problem solving and the need to be aware of different methods and strategies to respond to the challenges posed by current mathematics education. The experience was carried out on the island of Tenerife and aimed to assess the training of primary education teachers in problem solving strategies. For this purpose a questionnaire was administered to a total of 121 teachers (91 in training and 30 in practice) and interviewed a total of 8 participants. Part of the participating teachers received specific problem-solving training through a training project called ProyectaMates which made it possible to assess the effect of training. The data obtained revealed the deficiencies in initial teacher training and the need to train teachers in a specific way to solve problems, thus corroborating the effectiveness of the ProyectaMates Programme.