What to do in September

[RC racer]

Hi

Need some advice on what to do in September.

I am currently completing a first diploma in motorsport engineering. Which I should get merit/distinction overall. I think I am not really sure if I want to carry on with the next course National diploma, which will be an extra 2 years.

I have had a couple years’ experience, mainly cleaning. But this year I have been getting more hands on experience with race cars.

I believe what I need is an apprentiship or job. No colleges near my house do them courses. But there is not much hope of a job, been checking since Christmas there have been some but to far away, I am not going to be able to move, as I would like to stay at home.

I currently have a job trial with a local team, but it will only happen if they get another driver, they are close but to far to travel every day. Don’t think it will happen.

Anybody got any suggestions.

Thanks
James

[ewenm]

I think you're restricting your options by insisting on living at home. Motorsport is notoriously difficult to get into so limiting your choices to local jobs will make it even more difficult. I'd make that step and move to find the job.

[RC racer]

Hi

So find a job then move. But i might just do an extra 2 years at college then i will be older and get a better job.

James

[belleair302]

To enter top flight motorsport engineering or even a decent mechanical position qualifications are SO important. Trust me I used to work for an F1 team. Stay in college, pass the exams, then get some industry experience then come back into motorsport via F3, GT, BTCC, GP2, NASCAR or WRC. Also undertake a project or two and send your findings to motorsport teams to get yourself known. Finally try to get a holiday job with an automotive supplier, ie suspension, parts, software design, aero, carbon supplier, wheels, clothing etc.

[RC racer]

what would you mean by a project

Also I have a job trail with a F3 team, work for a renualt clio team, but they are just at weekends for free but i love it.

I think when i make the first step to a job then i can get going

Edited by RC racer on Thursday 5th June 12:24

[JP_Midget]

RC racer said:

what would you mean by a project

I expect any project you do on the course, get it to fit the requirements of a team. Even if they might have done it themselves, so long as it's new ground to you it will show them how you work, and you never know you might uncover something they missed! If you can get time to do projects outside of college that would be very useful too. You might find yourself able to work with a team by taking on a projects that they don't have time for.

I'm a rather technical person, so would advocate that you try to get fundamental qualifications, such as physics or something where you can have a impirical understanding of the mechanics of racing. However, I know that's not for everyone and don't know your situation, and it does seem rather detached when you're learning about radioactive decay or whatever rather than weilding a spanner, but I suspect that it can all be found in some way in the operation of a race team!

[RC racer]

Hi

In college this year we were suppose to do a project but nether did (only 3 weeks left) that is why i dont want to come back, my college say at lot of things but nether happen

Was thinking of a mini moto as a home project

James

[ewenm]

RC racer said:

Hi

So find a job then move. But i might just do an extra 2 years at college then i will be older and get a better job.

James

Ah sorry, I thought you were more anti-college than that. Get the qualifications

[belleair302]

Why not suggest a couple of ideas to the engineering faculty at the college, and then with some of your class mates work together on something interesting? Also do some rsearch on enegry regeneration, new materials and contact the MIA regading how to become more involved in the technical apsects of UK motorpsort.

[ewenm]

Can you drum up a Formula Student team at college?

[anonymous-user]

stay on and get the qualifications. no disrespect but you are competing against people with degrees in motorsport engineering, aerodynamics, mechanical engineering etc. you need to be on a par with these people and personally, a diploma is not in the same league. you have a good work experience background so stick with this and do the next two years at college. seriously, staying on at college could be the difference between working for a national f3 team (nice) and a formula 1 team (v.nice)...


for a home project, you need to do something that doesnt detract too much from your studies and your out of college activities like the Clio team, something will inevitably suffer if you take on too much. why not buy an old crapper of a kart and rebuild it and then maybe run a kid in a local championship or something...

[intrepid44]

That isn't a good idea starting with a crapper of a kart, you can't simply start off with a crap chassis', and build it in to a good one, you can't polish a turd. To win you need to start off with a good chassis and just run that, but the learning curve may take a while. But still why not stay at college, and go race karts at the same time, could give you some good insight into the wrold of motorsport. Me personally, well I will hopefully be doing Automotive Engineering at Newcastle Uni next year, and then just see what happens from there, be it motorsport based, or helping develop a car for a manufacturer.

Good luck in whatever it is you choose, .

[anonymous-user]

How old are you James? Where do you live?

[tom0507]

James I would stay on at college and do the National Diploma course as well, then if possible do the Foundation Degree after (or uni but I don't think your keen on that.)

I have one week left of the National Diploma course and it's almost impossible to find a job. I have been looking since christmas and still have had no success. I wish I chose to do higher education after I had finished rather than trying to find a job.

Good luck.

[RC racer]

Hi

Tried talking to the college about different things, but they just don’t seem interested and all my class mates don’t like the course and have only done it cause it is something to do.

I believe I am not into the technical side more just mechanics.

No formula student is for Universities only, already asked and they said no.

Yes about the home project I am only really only got room for something small and cheap, student living off a part time job and learning to drive and paying to go and help at racing.

I am 17 and from Swindon

Tom what do you reckon to National diploma at Lackham then, seen you around before, do you know Rob Clayton.

After reading all your suggestions which are much appreciated.

I am going to carry on looking for a job and if I need to move I can, my sister lives up north and she has a spare room so if there a job near where she lives I could move in with her.

If no jobs, I will carry on at college and possible get a mini moto as a project as that is all I can fit in my garage, carry on helping teams and looking for jobs. Try and do a whole season with a team. Then get a job after college and not go to university,

What did you think?

Also may not be on here till wednesday as no internet at home, but mught be getting it over the weekend as my computer blew up.

Thanks
James

[RC racer]

Hi

Anybody else