EDF Visit CCF VEX Robotics

We were delighted to welcome two EDF employees alongside Mrs Best to our CCF VEX Robotics session. EDF’s generous grant last year enabled us to purchase our very own VEX Robot, and the team has been making incredible strides ever since!

During the visit, our 10-strong VEX team delivered an impressive demonstration, sharing their achievements from last year’s competition and outlining their ambitious plans for the 2026 challenge. EDF were hugely impressed by the team’s creativity, technical skill, and enthusiasm they all display towards STEM.

So…what is VEX all about?

VEX Robotics is a globally recognised educational robotics platform designed to teach students real-world engineering principles through hands-on design, programming, and problem-solving.

VEX V5 Robotics Competitions (VRC) are aimed at secondary school and college students using advanced metal-based systems. Each year, teams are presented with a new game-based engineering challenge. Students design, build, and programme robots to complete tasks, fostering skills in coding, mechanical design, strategic thinking, and teamwork. VEX competitions are the largest of their kind worldwide, inspiring creativity and innovation among participants.

The Combined Cadet Force participates in VEX Robotics competitions as part of its STEM engagement initiatives. These events allow cadets to apply leadership and problem-solving skills in a technical context. Cadet-led teams design and programme robots to compete in invitational and blended VEX competitions, often alongside other youth organisations.

This approach aligns with CCF’s mission to develop resilience, teamwork, and technical competence. Through these challenges, cadets gain exposure to engineering concepts and digital skills, preparing them for future careers in STEM fields. Many competitions culminate in regional or national championships, with opportunities to qualify for the VEX Robotics World Championship.