Inspiring the next generation of engineers

The Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy is connecting education with real-world impact.

Developing the next generation of engineers takes more than classroom learning. It takes first-hand exposure to real-world applications and the opportunity to exchange ideas with mentors that have deep experience in overcoming practical challenges.
That’s the purpose behind the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy, and it came to life during a recent visit to Komatsu’s Wacol facility in Australia, where three academy students spent a day learning how they can apply their passion for engineering and problem solving in an actual working environment.
A global initiative developed through Komatsu’s partnership with Atlassian Williams F1 Team, the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy is designed to discover and develop the next generation of engineering talent. It supports high-potential STEM students by giving them access to engineering mentors, hands-on technical learning and professional experiences that bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application.

 

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Finn Snedden, Maxwell Zylberman and Liam Jones were among 10 scholars selected from the pool of STEM Racing finalists in a program which challenges 9- to 19-year-olds to design, manufacture and race a miniature F1-style race car. The competition attracts more than 1.8 million participants from over 60 countries every year.

During the Komatsu facility visit, the three students toured Wacol’s Innovation Hub, Engine Lab and Remanufacturing Centre; met with engineers, apprentices and business leaders; and attended the Komatsu Apprentice Awards, one of their signature events celebrating excellence in vocational training.

For the students, the visit offered an exciting and tangible look at what an engineering future could hold. For Komatsu’s engineers, it was equally rewarding to meet the next generation of talent.

Each student arrived with their own passion for engineering — and left with an even clearer picture of where their interests might lead.

Liam described his motivation simply as a desire “to improve what already exists.” Whether optimizing a massive engine or refining electronics, he said that for him, the draw of engineering lies in continually pushing for better solutions. The partnership between Williams and Komatsu, he added, helped him imagine where a future career might unfold. “It’s exciting to see what the possibilities are with these two companies,” he said. “Being able to understand where I could be in five years with Komatsu … it’s amazing to see both sides of the coin.”

Max was energized by the chance to explore industry-level engineering at such a young age. “Being able to get that industry-level experience while still being a high schooler is really exciting for me,” he said. He was particularly surprised by the scale and sophistication of Komatsu’s operations. “It’s crazy to think that an excavator company just has that,” he added, referencing technology such as air floats capable of moving 240-ton trucks and one of the largest paint booths in the Southern Hemisphere.

Finn said the academy has already shaped his understanding of global engineering careers: “I’ve loved learning from the mentors about their career paths … and seeing how opportunities can evolve at both Williams and Komatsu.” He was also inspired by Komatsu’s international reach. “I learned that you can work anywhere in the world for Komatsu and have opportunities to experience other cultures,” he added.

All three students expressed excitement about mechanical engineering and product design, hoping to eventually create solutions that “change the world for the better.”

Komatsu’s engineering and apprentice leaders were equally impressed by the students’ curiosity, passion and willingness to engage deeply.

The students discuss how designing a miniature race car teaches how to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application with (front to back) Lisa Watts, Regional General Manager for the South East Region; Todd Connolly, Vice President, Global Brand Transformation; and Dylan Larsen, Regional Operations Manager, South East region.

Daniel Stegman, Technical Capability Lead and tour host, observed that. “It was refreshing meeting three young people that were genuinely passionate about both their chosen field and their future. They related the technology and machinery they saw at Komatsu Wacol to their own personal interests and plans for the future.”

Sara Mosvari, National Engineering Manager, highlighted the students’ drive and creativity. “What impressed me most was the grit and determination the students showed in developing a unique and reliable engineering product. Their curiosity and genuine passion for engineering was clear, particularly in the way they engaged with real-world engineering challenges.”

Senior Mechanical Engineer Andrew Winstanly noted how actively the students participated in discussions. “I was genuinely impressed by how engaged the students were. You could tell they really grasped the material, and their feedback turned the session into a great discussion rather than just a lecture."

And for Kieron Hinsley, Regional Apprentice Lead, their enthusiasm was unmistakable. “Their eyes were opened as to how the two companies’ values align closely in our pursuit of excellence.”

For the students, the Wacol visit was more than a tour; it was a hands-on look at the ambition, effort and innovation that define engineering at Komatsu.

Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy cohorts Maxwell Zylberman, Finn Snedden and Liam Jones check out Komatsu’s HM400-5 articulated dump truck at the Wacol facility, a major Australian hub for heavy equipment assembly, service and innovation.

As Liam put it, the chance to see how things are made, from “the massive engines behind us” to the “nuts and bolts that hold it all together” was a powerful reminder of the impact engineers can have. Max hopes the experience will help him design and test better products in the future and perhaps help him one day launch his own car company. Finn is motivated to join either Williams or Komatsu in designing world-changing engineering solutions.

Their visit reinforced what the academy aims to achieve: inspiring young engineers with real industry insight, technical exposure and the confidence to pursue their ambitions.

It was a proud moment for all involved, and a fitting testament to Komatsu’s broader commitment to expanding engagement and opening doors to welcome the next generation.

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