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World – Randstad partners with Williams launches Formula One engineering academy

21 November 2014

Formula One (F1) race team Williams have partnered with existing sponsor Randstad to launch a new engineering academy in a bid to nurture the next generation of F1 engineers. The scheme will see Williams mentor up to 10 students each year in a long-term extra-curricular programme. 

The Randstad Williams Engineering Academy, which will formally commence in November 2015, will be open to students aged between 16 and 18 and who have successfully progressed to the F1 in Schools World Finals.

The main objective of the F1 in Schools initiative is to help change the perceptions of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects by creating a fun and exciting learning environment for young people to develop informed views about careers in engineering.  

A variety of assessments will determine a maximum of 10 successful applicants each year, with that number then gradually whittled down over the following seven years via a series of vocational experiences and mentoring experiences at Williams, and via remote e-learning projects.

Pat Symonds, Chief Technical Officer at Williams, commented: "Formula One is a human capital business and companies like Williams rely on attracting the very best talent to stay ahead of the game. Too often young engineering students lack information and guidance on how to secure a job in the sport and this new Academy will help break down these barriers.”

"We will be giving talented students with a passion for STEM subjects the chance to get up close and personal with the team and be mentored by senior Formula One engineers. Young Driver Academies have existed in Formula One for a while, but this is the first time an engineering alternative on this scale has been established. We look forward to welcoming our first Academy entrants next year," he added.