Students learn about careers in the motor sport industry during Silverstone visit

Several UCFB students learnt all about the motor sport industry on a recent visit to the home of the British Grand Prix, Silverstone.

Students from both Wembley and Manchester campuses travelled to the iconic motor racing venue, where they met with executives and learnt about career prospects within the industry.

In Northamptonshire, the students met and listened to three UCFB alumni who have since found careers in motor sport, including:

• Liam O’Mara – Commercial Operations Manager at Formula E
• Chloe Robson – Event Sales Executive at Silverstone Museum
• Ross Grant – Senior Production Assistant at Formula 1

Ross said: “I felt the students were massively engaged in what all three of us had to say. I had a look around the room as much as I could and there was eye contact from everywhere I looked which is encouraging to see that there is an interest in other career paths away from football.

“Motor racing is a massive industry. There are so many people behind the scenes working in all kind of disciplines from mechanics to media and from marketing to law, the range of jobs is so wide.”

Following the talks from the alumni, the students were then treated to a tour of the Silverstone Museum.

“Silverstone is the home of the British Grand Prix,” Ross added. “The first ever Formula 1 race in 1950 was hosted here.

“In terms of motor racing history, there are very few places that can rival Silverstone for its motor racing heritage so to be able to learn here is a privilege and not an opportunity that many get.

“It is superb for UCFB to have that relationship with Silverstone.

“It complements Wembley Stadium as well as Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, as these venues all host major sporting events regularly, so for the students to spend time here and get comfortable in these exciting environments is hugely important in my opinion.

“You can never understand the iconic nature of these venues without feeling it first-hand, so to be learning about that history and seeing you can be a part of the motor racing future in any capacity is a fantastic opportunity.”