Combilift inspires future engineers with STEM initiative

As part of Engineers Week, Combilift opened its doors to local schools in an initiative aimed at promoting STEM education and announced that the Regional VEX Robotics Championships will be held at Combilift Headquarters, with winners earning a chance to qualify for the World Championships.

Combilift, a global leader in innovative material-handling solutions, is dedicated to supporting STEM education and nurturing the future workforce. By hosting this event, the company aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry applications, encouraging students to explore careers in engineering and technology.

At the event, St. Macartan’s VEX Robotics Team, winners of the 2025 North West Regional Finals, presented their award-winning robot to over 250 students from local schools and shared insights into the process and skills involved in designing, building, and programming a robot. To provide a full overview of the competitions, a friendly match was held, highlighting the excitement and complexities of the high calibre VEX competitions.

Brendan McAvera, a teacher at St. Macartan’s College, said: “I’m the computer science teacher, and in 15 years of teaching, this is probably the best thing I’ve ever been involved in. It really shows the inspiration you can get back from your students when you give them a project to do. They put their heart and soul into it, and they get their rewards since they’ve won three awards this year.”

Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences, young learners gained insight into the real-world applications of STEM and the vital role robotics play in modern industries.

Martin McVicar added: “By engaging with these cutting-edge technologies, students can develop skills specific to robotics, hydraulics, and programming, as well as other vital skills such as teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving. These abilities are essential for students’ curricula and are transferable to their future careers in STEM, including potential apprenticeships at Combilift or paths in engineering.”

McVicar also emphasised: “Listening to the skills these students have developed; it makes you proud. It feels like you have a Formula One team in front of you. When you look at the different roles each person plays and the skills they have developed, these abilities will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Through initiatives like this, Combilift continues to play a prominent role in motivating young minds to think innovatively and develop the skills necessary for their futures. By investing in the next generation of engineers, Combilift is helping to shape a brighter tomorrow for everyone.

Watch the event highlights here: https://tinyurl.com/mr34v4yz. For more information on Combilift, see www.combilift.com.