Milton Keynes College apprentices working in Formula One visited Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of the sport. The apprentices had the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in the sport – all as guests of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Jordan Smith, Engineering Workplace trainer at Milton Keynes College Group said it was the experience of a lifetime: “The apprentices were quite nervous at the beginning, so I asked them who they’d most like to speak to, and they said Sir Jackie Stewart, so we just walked up and said hello.”

“The apprentices are all big fans, but he was so nice to them. He told them they are the future of the motorsport industry, that they should be proud of their part in it, and he even thanked them for being involved.”

Emily Darlington, Milton Keynes Central MP, said: “What a fantastic experience for this great group of apprentices. Milton Keynes is the heart of F1 and with institutions like Milton Keynes College and the Open University in our city, it’s no surprise that so many young people in MK are making their mark. It’s also amazing to see so many more women getting involved in the sport.  I’m so glad to see everyone’s talent recognised in Downing Street.”

Miah, one of the apprentices from Milton Keynes College, was recently named as the youngest ever finalist in the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards. She said she’s it’s been a whirlwind few weeks to follow that with a visit to the Prime Minister’s home: “Visiting number 10 was an honour and a privilege. Seeing likeminded apprentices and others coming together at Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of F1 is an experience I will never forget.”

It has also been a rollercoaster ride for Jordan, who recently completed his teacher training at the College after a career in railway engineering. He said: “The College gave me the opportunity to move into teaching at just the right time, and I absolutely love it. I work with the apprentices on health and safety, electrical and fluid power, and it’s such a rewarding job.

“I’ve been able to do my own studies for my teaching qualifications alongside my work in the classroom, and it’s given me insights into different industries, visiting the apprentices at their employers in Formula One and other industries. It’s inspiring.”

Jordan says he was initially quite daunted by the idea of becoming a teacher, but he’s had brilliant support. “My Dad trained officers in the RAF, and between him and the people of the College who’ve looked after me along the way, I’ve always felt that there were people I could talk to about how to progress.

“I’ve really built my confidence in the classroom; I can put together my own lessons to make sure they’re engaging for the apprentices who are, frankly, brilliant. It’s not like school in that they’re all there because they want to be. It’s the most rewarding job you could ever do.”

The College Group is currently looking for teachers in a whole range of subjects. While we are keen to hear from experienced professionals, we are also searching for people coming from industry like Jordan, and recent graduates with up-to-date knowledge of their subjects. The right candidates will be put through their teacher training while they begin their careers.

For more information on becoming a teacher at MK College Group read more here.

This Women in Engineering Day, we had the pleasure of chatting to two of our very own Women in Engineering! Ayesha and Sam are both studying Level 3 Engineering Technologies – they spoke to us about what they enjoy most about studying Engineering as well as their hopes for the future.

What made you choose Engineering as a career path?

Ayesha: Engineering is a broad field that offers exciting career opportunities where you will get to be creative, solve problems and explore how things work every day. I choose Engineering as a career path because since childhood I had an interest in how machinery works. Moreover, I want to design products and buildings by using Engineering software.

Sam: My dad got me into engineering when I was little. He used to fix and mend cars; I used to love going out and helping him. When I got older, I didn’t realise women could do engineering until I went into sixth form. I found MK college and it was the best fit for me to do level 3.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

Ayesha: The most fascinating thing about Engineering is that I get a chance to work with high standard programs (Fusion 360 and Auto-CAD) and machinery (Lathe and CNC).

Sam: The thing I enjoy most about my course is the excitement about learning engineering, along with being supported by the teachers and the people in my course are also really nice and supportive. I’m not afraid to ask for help when needed and everyone helps each other out throughout the course.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future after you have completed your studies?

Ayesha: After completing my level 3 Engineering, I would like to pursue my career in Architectural engineering.

Sam: When my dad got me into cars, he then showed me Formula 1, it was only when I was older that I learned that you could do apprenticeships with Formula 1, which is now my main aim – working on the cars and the mechanical side of it and being able to be part of one of their teams.

What advice would you give to other women looking to get into Engineering?

Ayesha: If you are passionate and dedicated towards Engineering, then you should chase your dreams. As nothing is impossible.

Sam: My advice is go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do any type of engineering. Because all women can do all types of engineering.

What is your favourite thing about studying Engineering at MK College?

Ayesha: My favourite thing about studying Engineering at MK College is they have a friendly, safe environment and helpful tutors. Whenever I am struggling, tutors are available and happy to help me. I recommend other women interested in doing Engineering to join MK college as it will help you achieve your dreams.

Sam: My favourite thing about MK college would have to be the people and the atmosphere, having good and kind people in your course really makes coming to college worth it and makes the course 10 times more enjoyable.

If you’d like to follow in Sam and Ayesha’s footsteps, take a look at our many Engineering courses. If you’d like to find out more and chat with tutors, why not sign up for our next open event and find out what it’s like to be an Engineering student at MK College.