2 minute read
RACING GREEN: CHRIS SHAWE
RACING GREEN
Chris Shawe (13) offered to come back to Churcher’s to talk to current pupils having seen our article on the reintroduction of Greenpower at the College in the Connect newsletter.
Currently working as a stress engineer for the Renault Formula 1 Team, Chris was inspired in part by his involvement in Greenpower whilst at school. He says: “It was the Formula Student Team, like Greenpower but for universities, that really got me the engineering experience that I needed to make the jump into F1. It also taught me about the work ethic that is needed in the very fast-paced (excuse the pun) environment.”
In his current role he is involved in designing parts of the car to make them as light as possible but also strong and stiff. Much of his work is in the six months before the cars hit the track but there are times when he has to find a solution to a problem that occurs on a race weekend. Chris says: “An issue can occur in the morning, I have to find a solution as quickly as possible, the parts are remade in the evening and then flown to the track for the next morning. We don’t have many of these situations but they are a fun and challenging when they do happen!”
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
Over the past year we have had several OCs come back to College to help with the Careers and Higher Education Programme for current students...
• Katie Hickey (13) came back in April to talk about her life as a freelance illustrator, art courses at university, careers in art, and the business side of being a freelancer. • Tom Foster (18) came back to speak about his experience of apprenticeships at Ernst &
Young. • James Clark (91) has been a great help with mock interviews and work experience for those on the medic programme. • Tom Higgins-Toon (15) and Archie Philips (19) shared their advice on the Oxbridge programme, including the application process, choice of College and life once you get there. • Anna Dunford (17) and Martin Kidd (73) both returned to Churcher’s to give the benefit of their experience to current students at the 2019 Careers Convention.
We have also connected OCs looking for internships or work experience during and post university with OCs who have been able to give advice and, in some cases, offers of work.
If you are willing to help either current students or your fellow OCs with their progression through education or with their careers, please get in touch at
