Komatsu-Williams partnership launches engineering academy to foster future engineers
The Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy will offer ten promising global STEM students a unique enhancement to their education
As an extension of its role as principal partner of the Williams Racing Formula 1 team, Komatsu has launched the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy, a global initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of engineering talent. This prestigious program will offer ten promising STEM students from around the world a unique enhancement to their educational journey that includes mentorship, exposure to global industries, and hands-on learning from experts.
"Komatsu's commitment to developing future generations dates back more than 100 years, to our founding," says Hiroyuki Ogawa, president and CEO of Komatsu Ltd. "As a global company of 64,000, with thousands of employees in engineering and technical roles, we believe it is our duty to foster new generations of talent to support the continued advancement of our industries. We are proud to collaborate with Williams Racing on this important initiative to support students' advancement toward STEM careers and excited to see what the future holds."
Supporting a bright future for new generations of STEM students
The Academy's first group of ten students will be selected in collaboration with F1 in Schools, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting STEM education. Students aged 16 and above attending the 2024 F1 in Schools World Final in Saudi Arabia this November will be invited to apply for a spot. The Academy programming will commence in January 2025. Each student will have their experience tailored to meet the needs of their educational journey at time of entry into the program, ensuring each student receives support that aligns with their academic path.
Those chosen for the Academy will have access to a range of benefits from both Komatsu and Williams, designed to support their growth and career development including:
- Early career opportunities: Access to work experience internships, apprenticeships, and graduate roles across Komatsu and Williams.
- Expert mentorship: Quarterly sessions with a Williams engineer and experts from Komatsu's global business, offering personalized guidance and insights into the engineering and/or motorsport industries.
- Exclusive experiences: A comprehensive program focused on community building, learning, and networking opportunities across both Williams and Komatsu.
- Online learning platform: Access to educational modules and tasks related to Formula 1, providing a solid foundation for engineering principles.
Enduring legacies of supporting new talent
The Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy builds on both companies' legacies of developing new generations of talent and opening access to career opportunities within their industries.
Williams runs a STEM education program that offers 3,000 school children the opportunity to visit the team's Grove headquarters free of charge to introduce them to potential STEM careers through the lens of motorsport.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Williams Racing and Komatsu on the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy," says Andrew Denford, founder and chairman of F1 in Schools. "For over 24 years, F1 in Schools has been inspiring students through our global STEM challenge, and this partnership builds on our longstanding commitment to nurturing young talent."
