Williams announce exciting academy programme in association with Komatsu

Williams Racing and its Principal Partner Komatsu have announced the launch of the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy, a global initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of engineering talent.

Sharing further details, Williams has noted that the programme will select STEM students and provide them with mentorship and support throughout their educational journey.

For the coming season, the Academy will offer 10 STEM students a first step on the ladder towards a career within the engineering and motorsport industries. The Grove-based outfit has noted that "by joining the Academy, students will gain invaluable experience and insights, benefiting from the combined expertise and resources of both Komatsu and Williams Racing."

The Academy’s first group of students will be selected in collaboration with F1 in Schools, a leading non-profit organisation 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 place in the Academy assessment centre, where Williams and Komatsu will jointly narrow applicants down to the 10 lucky students who will form the first cohort.

Those chosen for the Academy will have access to a range of benefits designed to support their growth and career development over multiple years. It includes early career opportunities such as access to work experience internships, apprenticeships and graduate roles across Komatsu and Williams.

Moreover, the academy member will be supported by a Williams employee, who will be their mentor. In addition, they will get access to online learning platform and educational modules related to Formula 1.

Williams also runs a STEM education programme which will bring 5,000 schoolchildren to the team’s Grove HQ free of charge throughout 2024 to introduce them to the prospect of STEM careers through the lens of motorsport. Similarly, Komatsu invests in and contributes to STEM and technical programming around the world, with the goal of empowering students and supporting local communities.

Commenting on the new initiative, Williams team boss James Vowles added: “I’m pleased that we’re launching the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy because discovering and developing the brightest and best talent regardless of background is something I hold close to my heart.

"We have a duty and responsibility to invest in future generations and support them to succeed. I know how powerful that can be as someone who was given a chance at the start of my career. This Academy will help both Williams and Komatsu find the future talent that will form the bedrock of our organisations, and is another demonstration of the beliefs we both share.”

Komatsu's President and CEO Hiroyuki Ogawa commented: “Komatsu’s commitment to developing future generations dates back more than 100 years, to our founding. 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.”

Expanding on Williams' new programme, Founder and Chairman F1 in Schools, Andrew Denford commented: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Williams Racing and Komatsu on the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy. 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.

"A decade after launching the first academy at the F1 in Schools World Finals in Abu Dhabi in 2014, we are proud to reignite this programme alongside Williams Racing and Komatsu.

"This initiative reflects our shared vision of making motorsport more inclusive and accessible, by breaking down barriers, fostering diverse talent, and driving social change. We are confident that the Academy will not only shape the future of motorsport but also empower young people across the globe to excel in STEM, motorsport, and beyond.”