Monday 8 December 2014

Robbie James - Motorsport Case Study

(Reblogged from http://www.banbury-bicester.ac.uk/robbie-james-motorsport-case-study )

Level 3 Apprenticeship in Motorsport Engineering - Banbury and Bicester College - part of Activate Learning

“I was always interested in motorsport – my family raced and followed the sport. No-one in my family had ever worked in the industry and I wanted to take it one step further and make it my career.

“I went to Autosport International in Birmingham and found out about Banbury and Bicester College. I applied to the two-year extended diploma course and was accepted. I moved to Bicester from my home in Kent to attend college three days a week.

“The course was great. The teachers here have all worked in the industry so they bring an insight that you can’t get from theory alone.

“Having completed the course I was able to move straight into an apprenticeship with Sahara Force India. I spent the first three months working and getting experience in each department before specialising.

“I have had some great experiences through the apprenticeship. I have taken part in four aero tests (straight line vehicle tests) and taken part in a four-day young driver course – things which I just wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. My ambition is to join the race team and to be able to travel.

“The work is hard and you do need to be prepared for long hours, but I have never woken up and thought that I don’t want to go to work. It is great to be part of a team, part of something bigger rather than just doing a job.”

You can apply for the course that Robbie completed - Level 3 Apprenticephip in Motorsport Engineering

Jamie Underwood - Motorport Case Study

(Reblogged from http://www.banbury-bicester.ac.uk/jamie-underwood-motorport-case-study )

Level 3 Apprenticeship in Motorsport Engineering - Banbury and Bicester College – part of Activate Learning

“My dad and I have always watched formula one on television and I have followed motorsport since I was a child, so it was always an interest of mine.

“My sister was already studying at the Banbury campus, so I came along to an open event at Bicester and liked what I saw. I took the extended diploma before moving onto the apprenticeship.

The course was very hands on and it helps when the tutors are so enthusiastic about their subject.

“Throughout the course we had access to employers from the motorsport industry, who would come in to give talks, support our practical projects and offer help with CVs. As I came to the end of the course, there were a number of employers offering apprenticeships, who advertised on campus. I was interviewed for an apprenticeship with Sahara Force India, and was successful.

“The apprenticeship is brilliant. It is something I genuinely enjoy doing, so it doesn’t feel like a task going to work every day.

“I love building things for the car and seeing them being used. You know that what you do makes an impact.

“If you are passionate about motorsport then this is the route for you. I am hoping to join the race team when I finish and to travel the world.”

You can apply for the course that Jamie completed - Level 3 Apprenticephip in Motorsport Engineering

Cornbury Park Gravity Race

Our students learn teamwork by designing, welding and fabricating a gravity racer according to a pre defined specification. Each team has a leader, fabricators and designers and works to gain sponsorship. Teamwork is the most important single attribute our employers value, and this task lays the groundwork for our students being top of the game..

Thursday 4 December 2014

Wheel Change

In order to test the groupwork of new students, we have a car set up to do wheel changes. Here some current students go for a time.

Number 10 Visit for Motorsport Apprentices

Rebloged from Banbury and Bicester College

Former motorsport students from Banbury and Bicester College joined a reception with the Prime Minister to celebrate Britain’s motorsport industry.

Jessica Philips and Lewis Brown, who are now completing apprenticeships with Enstone-based Lotus F1, were invited to Downing Street on Monday.

They were joined by representatives from the country’s leading motorsport teams and former motor racing champions including Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss.

The event was held following Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Championship success at the weekend. Jessica completed the Extended Diploma in Motorsport Engineering at the Bicester campus of Banbury and Bicester College last year and is now in the first year of an apprenticeship with Lotus.

She said: “I was asked by boss if I would like to attend the event which was really exciting. David Cameron was particularly interested to hear about our work at Lotus, which is in his constituency. I was more excited to meet Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss but it was a great opportunity to be part of such a high profile event for the industry.”

Speaking at the event, David Cameron said: “British motorsport is leading the world and Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Championship success is just the latest example.

“Backing this £9bn a year industry, which supports many thousands of highly skilled engineering jobs, is a crucial part of our long term economic plan to rebalance the economy.

“That is why I am delighted to celebrate the success of British motorsports and its contribution to the economy at 10 Downing Street, including meeting some of the apprentices who will design and build the cars that will be driven by more British F1 winners in the future

Ashley Jones - Case Study

Ashley attended Bicester Motorsport, and completed our 3 year apprenticeship. He now works at ProDrive as a race mechanic.