Training the race mechanics of the future 2021/22 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 are 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 Mechanic apprenticeship programmes. 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 2020/2021 Register for our Open Day to see our fantastic facilities and meet the tutors. We are following government guidelines and at present we plan for all of our Open Days to be virtual in the year 2020/21 but please check our website for updates. National College for Motorsport Unit 8, Silverstone Park, Towcester, NN12 8GX • Wednesday 18 November 2020 5.00pm-7.00pm • Thursday 4 February 2021 5.00pm-7.00pm • Thursday 18 March 2021 5.00pm-7.00pm
Register at www.nc4m.ac.uk/events
Our courses and your future progression LEVEL 3 COURSES AVAILABLE Race Technician Programme Race Technician Apprenticeship
LEVEL 2 COURSES AVAILABLE Race Technician Programme Race Technician Apprenticeship
Previous students have progressed onto working with teams such as MercedesAMG F1, Red Bull, Williams, Renault, Haas F1, Force India, M-sport World Rally Team, Australian Touring Cars and many other high profile international teams.
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“There are many parts of the course at the National College for Motorsport that set it apart from other colleges, however, the two best parts in my opinion are the tutors and the cars we learn on. � Adi, 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 • 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.
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Meet the team Jim
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 F1 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 is 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 Study Programmes in to apprenticeships with race teams, and on to great things.
Guy Job Title: Motorsport Lecturer Job Role: I teach units within the Technical Programme and assess work based students. 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.
Mark
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 F2, F3 and 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 to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for a sport that I love, and help students to progress into an apprenticeship.
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Michael
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.
Justin Job Title: Motorsport Lecturer/Work Based Assessor Job Role: I teach units within the Technical Programme and assess work based students. 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 F1 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 IndyCar build.
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Richard
Job Title: Motorsport Workshop Facilitator Job Role: I teach the practical skills required for the Motorsport industry. Career Highlights: I completed an engineering apprenticeship straight from school, then went on to completed an apprenticeship with a Ford dealer but wanted to progress into Motorsport. I went on to work for Silverstone Circuit within the driving school for eighteen years, during this time I progressed to the level of master technician and lead technician . While working at Silverstone I gained a variety of experience by working on many different types of vehicles. Formula Fords for the Silverstone Race School & BRDC Formula Ford Championship, Lead technician for Nissan PlayStation GT Academy and Nissan Freerace. Car build and maintenance of various types of rally cars and Caterham 7s. Maintenance of various GT cars including Ferrari’s, Aston Martin’s and Lotus.
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Fees, funding and student support Tuition And Exam Fees
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
If you are a school leaver aged 16-18 years old on 31 August 2021, 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.
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.
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 Enquiries & Admissions 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 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.
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.
For more frequently asked questions, please turn to page 18.
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 at College 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 or below, you will be supported to re-sit these qualifications to achieve a grade 4 (grade C) or above. 01536 419580
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Race Technician Study Programme (Level 2)
LOCATION: Silverstone Park, Silverstone Circuit DURATION: 3 days a week for one year ENTRY REQUIREMENTS GCSE at grade 3 (grade D) or above in English and maths. You will be asked to attend an information event.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL I GAIN? • 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 motorsport industry working practices. The course also contains a significant practical element within the study programme.
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WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER I COMPLETE THIS STUDY PROGRAMME? Once you have completed the Race Technician Study Programme you will be assessed on the progression made during the year. You will be invited to progress onto the Race Technician 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.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS? 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
Tom’s Story My interest in motorsport started from watching it on TV and reading numerous books on the subject. After completing my A-Levels at sixth form, I wanted to take a year out before going to university. I spent some time exploring ways to get into the industry and found the National College for Motorsport online. I plan to study Aeronautical Engineering at university, so this course seemed like a logical step. I knew it would give me more knowledge and experience of the subject, particularly in terms of the aerodynamics of racing cars. The practical work on the course has been really good and the facilities are fantastic. We have a whole range of equipment across two units with seven or eight racing cars on site. We work on three cars at a time and rotate each week so that we learn about the different systems. Our tutors are very good and they all have plenty of industry experience, which means they can share their stories of working in motorsport. Occasionally we also get permission to go down to the track at Silverstone.
I also do work experience twice a week with Team Dynamics where I recently got involved with the winter rebuild of their racing cars, stripping them down and looking at all the different parts. Another work experience placement was with Carlin, one of the largest teams outside of Formula 1, where I was set to a race team for the week to shadow them preparing for the next season. I’m looking forward to studying at Loughborough University next year and would like to eventually work with Formula 1 as an Analyst or Engineer.
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Race Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2)
LOCATION: Apprenticeships take place in the workplace with race teams DURATION: Up to 2 years ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You must have completed the 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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Jessica’s Story Studying a motor vehicle course at college beforehand definitely gave me a head start when I arrived at National College for Motorspor, but the lecturers are very good and do start right at the beginning. They’re also very helpful at suggesting who to contact for work experience and other opportunities available to us.
I really enjoy the practical side of the course, particularly working on the engines and gearboxes. We have two units to work from with six cars in each and all of the facilities are very good.
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Race Technician Study Programme (Level 3)
LOCATION: Silverstone Park, Towcester DURATION: 3 days a week for one year ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Completion of the Race Technician Level 2 Study Programme.
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I GAIN? • Engineering Technology (Motorsport) EAL Level 3 Diploma
WHAT WILL I STUDY? This course is open to students who have successfully completed the Race Technician Level 2 Study Programme 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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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.
UCAS POINTS AVAILABLE: Up to 168.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS? Returning students may need to purchase additional uniform at an approximate cost of £100 (cost could be subject to change).
Harrison’s Story Since the age of 7 I’ve been racing karts and had a keen interest in motorsport but when I got to the age of 16 I realised that racing might not be a realistic career so looked into alternative careers within the motorsport industry. My karting peers recommended that I look at the National College for Motorsport.
I was impressed by the experience and technical knowledge of the lecturers and also that the course was hands on and practical. There is a lot of drive and passion from the teaching team and they put me in contact with race teams. I have successfully started an apprenticeship working within F3 at Hi-Tech. National College for Motorsport is brilliant, it opened doors for me and it could for you.
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Advanced Race Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)
LOCATION: Apprenticeships take place in the workplace with race teams DURATION: Up to 2 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 F1.
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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 National College for Motorsport. 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 Apprenticeship courses take place over three consecutive days per week throughout the academic year. You will be expected to complete some work experience 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
Come along to an Open Day Book your place at the next event at www.nc4m.ac.uk/events
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Apply online
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Receive an offer
You can apply at any time, but we recommend that you do so as early as possible.
If successful, you will be invited to attend an Information Event, where you will be able to find out more about the course.
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.
How will you keep my child safe? We take the wellbeing and safety of every single student very seriously. We strive to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at The National College for Motorsport and have safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place. Access on to our site is by ID Card only and our teams regularly check everyone is wearing their ID. We are following government guidelines and our up-to-date policies and procedures relating to COVID-19 can be found here: www.bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk/covid19/ 18 www.nc4m.ac.uk
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Attend your Welcome Day and enrol
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Start your study programme
This is your chance to meet your tutors and classmates and to complete your enrolment.
You will start your exciting study programme in September 2020.
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
Where can you find us?
Steeple Claydon
Leighton Buzzard National College for Motorsport, Units 8 & 2285, Silverstone Park, A505 Towcester, Northants, NN12 8GX A41
Quainton
A418
Tel: 01536 419580
Keep up to date
Waddesdon
Aylesbury
facebook NationalCollegeforMotorsport Pitstone twitter @NC4Motorsport instagram @nc4_motorsport A41
Tring
A418
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DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the study programmes, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellation or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund any fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
National College for Motorsport, Units 8 & 2285, Silverstone Park, Towcester, Northants, NN12 8GX Tel: 01536 419580 facebook NationalCollegeforMotorsport twitter @NC4Motorsport instagram @nc4_motorsport
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