A former engineering student from University College Isle of Man (UCM) has landed a role in the world of motorsport.

Frankie Stennett has joined BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, working to operate and programme various Mazak machinery, and producing a large variety of components directly for the cars, test rigs, and bespoke pit-equipment.

The cars Frankie is working on are driven by BWT Alpine teammates Fernando Alonso, who is a legendary two-time F1 World Champion, and Esteban Ocon, who is in his third season with the team.

During his time at UCM, Frankie studied at the William Kennish Engineering Centre and Hills Meadow Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC), two realistic working environments which include modern workshops with world-class equipment that allow students to understand and work with industry standard machinery.

Frankie said: “I always enjoyed the hands-on manufacturing side of things whilst at UCM and think this is what sparked my interest in programming and one of the reasons I’m now working in F1.”

A key component of Frankie’s studies involved undertaking industry apprenticeships which he completed with Ronaldsway Aircraft Company and Triumph Actuation Systems.