Training the race mechanics of the future 2019/20 Prospectus www.nc4m.ac.uk
Welcome to the National College for Motorsport The National College for Motorsport, based at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, is proud to offer motorsport technician training; where students are taught by highly skilled tutors, experienced in many areas of the motorsport industry. We were the first College in the UK to achieve the Motorsport Academy Employer Recognition Scheme Charter Mark for our training for race mechanics. The scheme was introduced in 2007 to ensure that training providers deliver quality, industry relevant training. In January 2018, we were awarded the Motorsport Industry Association ‘Service to Industry Award’ for our exceptional performance in training and guiding young people into Race Mechanics apprenticeships. Through our excellent links to the motorsport industry the College offers tremendous progression opportunities, with a high percentage of our students progressing into employer-led apprenticeships.
Open Events 2018/19 Visit us to take a look at the fantastic facilities, meet the tutors and talk to current students about their experiences at the College. National College for Motorsport Unit 8, Silverstone Park, Towcester, NN12 8GX • Thursday 22 November 2018, 5.00pm-7.00pm • Thursday 24 January 2019, 5.00pm-7.00pm • Thursday 4 April 2019, 5.00pm-7.00pm
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Our courses and your future prospects LEVEL 3 COURSES AVAILABLE Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Course Advanced Race Technician Apprenticeship
LEVEL 2 COURSES AVAILABLE Foundation Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Programme Race Technician Apprenticeship
Previous students have progressed on to working with teams such as Mercedes F1, Redbull, Williams Grand Prix, Renault, Hass F1, Force India, M Sport World Rally Team, Australian Touring Cars and many other high profile international teams.
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“After attending an open day and speaking with the tutors, I knew NC4M was the college for me. The facilities are great and everyone is so helpful in offering advice and helping me to get a job.� Fraser, Level 2 Race Technician.
Take a look at our facilities in our short film at www.nc4m.ac.uk
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Our world class facilities, equipment and resources The National College for Motorsport boasts world class facilities that give our students the best possible start to their careers in the industry. Students are able to apply the theory that they learn in the classroom in tailored practical workshop sessions that cover all aspects of race car preparation. Students are trained in the use of a wide range of industry standard equipment, including: • Magnaflux Non-destructive Testing Equipment – used to check ferrous metal components for fatigue • SPA Damper Dynamometer – used to test dampers for optimum performance • Equipment used for the fundamentals of car set-up - Set-up Patches - Corner Weight Scales - Camber/Caster Gauges - Ride/Drop Height Gauges The cars that our students use to develop their skills and knowledge are also of the highest quality and include: • 2018 Formula Renaults • Formula BMWs • 2010 FIA Formula 2 • Formula Fords
“I like that the college has such a professional environment, the teachers are experienced and the facilities are top class compared to other colleges.” Callum, Level 2 Race Technician. 01536 419580 www.nc4m.ac.uk 5
Meet the team Jim Harrod
Job Title: Motorsport Manager Job Role: I manage the staff and the facilities at the National College for Motorsport. I also support the progression of students into apprenticeships with race teams. Career Highlights: I started as a Race Mechanic with Damon Hill in Formula Ford before progressing to Formula One with Brabham, Arrows and Williams as Mechanic and Chief Mechanic. I also spent several years in the British Touring Car Championship with Vauxhall, Nissan and Williams Renault. My reason for working in education was to give young people the chance to follow a career that provided me with such fantastic experiences over the years. I find it immensely satisfying to see our students progressing from our full-time courses in to apprenticeships with race teams, and on to great things.
Guy McCulloch Job Title: Motorsport Lecturer Job Role: I teach units within the technical certificate and assess work based learners. Career Highlights: I qualified as a Mechanic at Marshalls of Cambridge, which included race car preparation. I then worked as a Mechanic at Honda, Nissan and Porsche dealerships; which included race car build and preparation of Porsche race cars. I have been a Senior Mechanic on historic Ferrari race cars, a Fleet manager and Chief Mechanic at Palmersport, and also a Workshop Manager at Cambridge Motorsport.
Chris Philpott
Job Title: Motorsport Liaison Officer Job Role: My role involves teaching BTEC Level 2 Diploma Vehicle Technology and Functional Skills English & ICT. I am also a Personal Tutor and the point of contact for information about courses, residential support, accommodation and apprenticeships. Career Highlights: I started at Tresham College in the Engineering Department. I moved on to become a Key Skills Lecturer and Co-ordinator. I returned to the Engineering Department as Deputy Director of programmes, which included Motorsport. When Motorsport became a separate programme area I stayed with the National College for Motorsport becoming a Curriculum Leader and Lecturer. I really enjoy working as part of a small team that works effortlessly with the wider motorsport industry.
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Mark Godwin
Job Title: Motorsport Work Based Assessor/Advisor Job Role: I liaise with potential apprentice employers and assist students to find suitable apprenticeships. When a student moves onto an apprenticeship, I assess and review their progress in the workplace. Career Highlights: I trained as a Race Engine Builder, progressing to building engines for F1, Indycar, F3000 and World Sports Cars teams. I started and owned two championship winning race teams spanning a period of 15 years in Formula Ford, BMW, Renault and F4. I have also worked as a Team Manager, Race Engineer and Driver Management Consultant for a number of prominent teams and drivers.
Mark Woolford
Job Title: Motorsport Tutor Job Role: I teach all aspects of the motorsport industry, providing students with knowledge to progress into apprenticeships within the sport. Career Highlights: I have been involved in motorsport from the age of 13. I started my apprenticeship with March Engineering in the early 80’s as a Fabricator building F3, F2, F3000, GTP and Indy Race Cars. Other companies that I have worked for include Nissan Motorsport Europe, McLaren and Williams working on vehicles such as FF1600, f3, World Rally, Touring Cars, Historic F1, Group C and Hybrid f1 Race Cars. My roles have included Fabrication and Machine Shop Manager, Travelling Fabricator, Support Team Logistics and Bodywork, QA & Special Projects Manager. It’s great to be able share my knowledge and enthusiasm for a sport that I love, and helping students to progress into an apprenticeship.
Justin Downard Job Title: Motorsport Lecturer / Work Based Assessor Job Role: I teach units within the technical certificates and assess work based learners. I also support the progression of students into apprenticeships with race teams. Career Highlights: I started as a Rally Mechanic with Nissan Motorsport Europe before progressing to Formula One with Team Lotus as a sub-assembly Mechanic. I also spent several years as a Number 1 Mechanic in the British Touring Car Championship with Vauxhall, Nissan and Williams Renault before joining Reynards on the 2KQ Sports Car project and Indy Car build.
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Mark Coombes
Job Title: Motorsport Workshop Facilitator Job Role: I am involved in the practical training in the workshop. Career Highlights: I have 12 years experience of working with professional motorsport teams from Junior Mechanic to Chief Mechanic. I have worked on various race cars including Radical, Formula Renault 2.0, F3, Formula Masters, Gp3 and Superleague. Seeing past students working with race teams in pit lanes around the world is fantastic.
Chris Weller
Job Title: Motorsport Work based Assessor / Advisor Job Role: I work with potential apprentice employers and assist students to find suitable apprenticeships. I also assess and review apprentices when they are working with a race team. Career Highlights: I did an apprenticeship in the Aerospace industry and have over 30 year’s experience working in Motorsport. I have had various roles from Race Mechanic to Team Principal.
Michael Herbert
Job Title: Motorsport Workshop Facilitator Job Role: I teach every aspect of the practical side of the motorsport industry. Career Highlights: I started in the industry at the age of 18 as a Mechanic for a motorcycle race team which competed in endurance racing. My engineering background then allowed me to move into building sprint cars and ‘one-offs’. After this I started and co-owned my own race team. In my time I have worked on, or in; Formula Ford (Kent & Slicks and Wings), Formula 4, British F3, TVR Tuscan, TVR Car Club, World Endurance, British GT, Ferrari Challenge Cup, F1 Williams Show Cars, Formula Renault (British and European), Radical (SR3 & SR8), Porsche Carrera Cup and World Touring Car.
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Fees, Funding and Student Support Tuition And Exam Fees If you are a school leaver aged 16-18 years old on 31 August 2019, the tuition fees and any exam registration fees for all the courses in this prospectus are FREE. All full-time Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever your age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still FREE if you’re aged under 19 or 19–23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re aged over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee.
Travel Bursary Full-time students aged 16-18 and living more than three miles from College may be entitled to subsidised travel from their local authority. If you have a household income less than £30,000, the College has a travel bursary worth up to £450* which you may qualify for. Contact the Customer Services Team on 01536 413123 or email info@tresham.ac.uk *Please note these are subject to review and can change, visit our website to get the latest cost information.
Residential Bursary Fund This is intended to provide financial help towards the costs of term time accommodation (up to 75% of the costs depending on household income). Students in private accommodation will be responsible for the full cost of the accommodation until all of the required documentary evidence has been
For more frequently asked questions, please turn to page 18.
provided and the bursary has been agreed and confirmed by the College. Payments will then be made directly to the landlord, when your attendance at college has been confirmed. Payments cannot be paid to the student or parent. Applications for bursaries can be made via the college website, please speak to the Student Services Team on 01536 413232 for more information.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing We take the safeguarding and wellbeing of everyone at the College very seriously, including our responsibility to keep young people safe from the threat of radicalisation within the Government’s Prevent strategy. Should you ever need to talk to someone confidentially about issues in your private or College life, we offer a dedicated counselling service with trained members of staff.
Equal Opportunities For All We believe that the unique experiences, abilities and backgrounds of each individual at the College adds to the overall learning experience and we work to ensure that we provide equal opportunities for all.
Additional Support Our Additional Support Team can help you with everything from developing assignment skills to helping you to access specialist support staff if you have dyslexia, hearing or visual impairments. Just identify that you need additional support on your application form and we will invite you in to discuss how we can help.
Our Study Programmes In today’s competitive market, employers and universities are looking for much more than just a qualification; so alongside your industry-recognised qualification you’ll also improve your personal and employability skills and gain valuable work experience to get you ready for your next step. GCSE English and maths are essential qualifications, so if you have a grade 3 (grade D) in GCSE English and/ or maths you will be supported to re-sit these qualifications to achieve a grade 4 (grade C) or above. 01536 419580
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Foundation Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Course (Level 2)
COURSE CODE: TSD123 LOCATION: Silverstone Park, Towcester DURATION: 2-3 days a week for one year
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER I COMPLETE THIS STUDY PROGRAMME?
GCSE at grade 3 (grade D) or above in English and maths. You will need to have a considerable passion for motorsport and the desire for a career as a Race Mechanic. Entry is subject to a successful interview.
Once you have completed the Foundation Race Technician course you will be assessed on the progression made during the year. If sufficient development has been made, and you have achieved grade 4 (grade C) or above in GCSE maths and English, you will be invited to progress onto the Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Level 3 programme. You may also progress onto an Employer Led Race Technician Apprenticeship during the programme if employment with a race team is secured.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL I GAIN?
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• Engineering Technology (Motorsport) EAL Level 2 Diploma • English and maths qualifications if required
WHAT WILL I STUDY? This study programme includes race car preparation techniques, engine and transmission units, as well as an introduction to the motorsport industry working practices. The course also contains a significant practical element within the study programme.
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All students will have to purchase uniforms at an approximate cost of £300 (cost could be subject to change).
APPLY ONLINE TODAY www.nc4m.ac.uk Find out more about the application process on page 18
Shakir’s Story Motorsport has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I’m originally from Leeds so found out about NC4M online, where there were loads of great reviews so I knew I had to come and look around. At the open day, I met all of the team and they were really helpful and explained what the course was about. I wanted to come here because of the facilities and the skills of the lecturers.
Everyone is really friendly and supportive which is important as I live away from home whilst I am here. They help you with gaining work experience with race teams. One day I’m hoping I’ll be able to be part of a Formula 1 race team.
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Race Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2)
COURSE CODE: TD104 LOCATION: Apprenticeships take place in the workplace with race teams DURATION: Up to two years ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You must have completed the Foundation Pre-Apprenticeship Race Technician Level 2 study programme and be in full-time employment with a race or rally team as a Race Technician.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL I GAIN? • Engineering Technology (Motorsport) EAL Level 2 Diploma • Performing Engineering Operations (Race Technician) EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma • English and maths qualifications if required
WHAT WILL I STUDY? An apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn, working as part of a race team. You will be travelling extensively with a race team and working hands-on in the pit lane, gaining practical experience in all aspects of motorsport. You will gain experience of stripping and rebuilding a motorsport vehicle, and inspecting motorsport vehicles during events. The job of a Race Technician requires dedication and involves a lot of travelling and long work hours.
HOW WILL MY WORK BE ASSESSED? An assessor will regularly visit you in your workplace to observe you at work and to assess evidence of work that you have completed.
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER I COMPLETE THIS STUDY PROGRAMME? After completing the Level 2 Race Technician Apprenticeship, you can progress onto the Level 3 Advanced Motorsport Race Technician Apprenticeship.
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Izzy’s Story I’ve always aspired to become a Race Mechanic and the National College for Motorsport has a great reputation that I wanted to be part of.
I came along to one of the open days and was really impressed with the experience and knowledge of the lecturers. NC4M is brilliant because the course provides lots of practical work with the right amount of theory. The College encourages and supports you to be independent which is something I really like. I’m hoping to move onto an apprenticeship and the ultimate goal is to become a Mechanic within Formula 1.
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Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Programme (Level 3)
COURSE CODE: TSD124 LOCATION: Silverstone Park, Towcester DURATION: 2-3 days a week for one year ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER I COMPLETE THIS STUDY PROGRAMME? The course will prepare you for progression into employment in the motorsport industry and onto an Employer Led Advanced Race Technician Apprenticeship / Advanced Apprenticeship.
Completion of the Foundation Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Level 2 study programme and grade 4 (grade C) or above in GCSE maths and English. You will need to have a considerable passion for motorsport and the desire for a career as a race mechanic.
UCAS POINTS AVAILABLE:
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I GAIN?
Returning students may need to purchase additional uniform at an approximate cost of £100 (cost could be subject to change).
• Engineering Technology (Motorsport) EAL Level 3 Diploma.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? This course is open to students who have successfully completed the Foundation Race Technician Level 2 Pre-Apprenticeship course and is a great next step to realising your ambition to work within the motorsport industry. This course includes advanced race car preparation, steering and suspension systems, fault diagnosis and braking system units.
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Up to 168
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Harry’s Story I studied at NC4M between September 2015 and February 2016 and then progressed onto an apprenticeship. I liked that the College specialised in race technician training and offered huge amounts of variety.
The connections that NC4M has with race teams is invaluable and they definitely got me to where I am now. I’m the Race Electrician for Force India where I’m involved in designing and maintaining harnesses amongst other things. My job takes me travelling all over the world for pre-season testing, which has been a great experience.
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Advanced Race Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)
COURSE CODE: TD107 LOCATION: Apprenticeships take place in the workplace with race teams DURATION: Up to two years ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You must be in full-time employment within a race or rally team as a Race Technician. You must have either a level 1 in English and maths functional skills, or a grade 3 or above in GCSE English and maths.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL I GAIN? • Engineering Technology (Motorsport) EAL Level 3 Diploma • Automotive Engineering (Motorsport Vehicle Technician) EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma
WHAT WILL I STUDY? An apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn, working as part of a race team. You will be travelling extensively with a race team and working hands-on in the pit lane, gaining practical experience in all aspects of motorsport. The study programme includes advanced race car preparation techniques as well as race car set up. The job of a Race Technician requires dedication and involves a lot of travelling and long work hours.
HOW WILL MY WORK BE ASSESSED? An assessor will regularly visit you in your workplace to observe you at work and to assess evidence of work that you have completed.
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER I COMPLETE THIS STUDY PROGRAMME? You will be qualified to progress on to international level motorsport teams, including Formula 1.
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Luke’s Story As a kid, I loved motorsport and I wanted to be a Race Mechanic my whole life, so it was an easy choice to pick NC4M. I studied at the College back in September 2010 and I had an amazing experience. I was an average school student and the lecturers used their experience to drive me on. They are fantastic as they share their experience with us and they’re really good at setting you up for what life is like in a race team.
Even though I left in 2011, the tutors still keep in touch and are keen to see how my career is going. I’ve worked at Hillspeed Racing, Fortec Motorsport and now Hitech GP, where I am Number 1 Mechanic.
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Frequently asked questions How many days a week will I study at College? The Race Technician Pre-Apprenticeships courses take place over three consecutive days per week throughout the academic year. You will be expected to complete some work outside of your timetabled sessions.
If I need accommodation, where will I stay? The majority of our students come from outside of Northamptonshire and choose to stay at local Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the nearby village of Silverstone during their timetabled sessions. Our students have enjoyed good relationships with the local accommodation providers over the years, and although the College is unable to arrange accommodation on behalf of our students, we are able to advise and provide useful contacts. Please contact us on 01536 419580 for more information on accommodation.
Your route to studying at the National College for Motorsport 1
Book your place at the next event at www.nc4m.ac.uk/events
2
Apply online
3
Receive an offer
4
Attend your Welcome Day and enrol
How do I get to the College? The National College for Motorsport is located within the Technology Park, which is directly next to the Silverstone racetrack. Silverstone is situated approximately 90 minutes north of central London and 60 minutes south of Birmingham. Road access is exceptionally easy along the A43 dual carriageway from either the M40 or M1. There is free student parking at the College.
Come along to an Open Day
You can apply at any time, but we recommend that you do so as early as possible. Make sure that your enthusiasm for motorsport comes through!
If successful, you will be invited to attend an interview, where you will be able to find out more about the course and demonstrate your passion for motorsport.
This is your chance to meet your tutors and classmates and to complete your enrolment.
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Start your study programme You will start your exciting study programme in September 2019.
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Earls Barton
Northampton A45
M1
Sharnbrook
A428
Hardingstone
A5
A6
A509
A43 Clapham
Roade
Olney
Bedford
M1
Towcester
Kempston A422 Newport Pagnell
A5
A421
Wolverton
Milton Keynes
Millbrook
Flitwick
Bletchley
Buckingham A421
Woburn
M1
Gawcott
A4146
Winslow
A5
Toddington
Where can you find us?
Steeple Claydon
Leighton Buzzard National College for Motorsport, Units 8 & 2285, Silverstone Park, A505 Towcester, Northants, NN12 8GXDunstable A41
Quainton
A418
Tel: 01536 419580
Keep up to date
Waddesdon
Pitstone @NationalCollegeforMotorsport
Aylesbury
@NC4Motorsport A41
Tring
A418
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National College for Motorsport, Units 8 & 2285, Silverstone Park, Towcester, Northants, NN12 8GX Tel: 01536 419580 @NationalCollegeforMotorsport
@NC4Motorsport
www.nc4m.ac.uk