Motorsport Jobs: From novice to McLaren engineering expert

Watching top motorsport engineers go in-depth on the technical aspects of their work can be daunting for those aspiring for that career, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Learning the skills required to work at motorsport's highest echelons comes naturally from climbing the career ladder.

McLaren Automotive gives people from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn valuable skills and to develop in a high-pressured environment.

With graduates rising to senior roles within the company, McLaren has shown that candidates with the right attitude and willingness to learn can excel.

Warranty Engineer Rachel Melvin, who had initially sought a career in the travel and tourism industry, is one such example.

"I actually went on an open evening with the intention of looking at travel and tourism, got chatting to some of the lecturers there and ended up coming out signed up to the motorsport engineering course the following year," she said.

"From where I was starting at college, not knowing anything apart from the steering wheel and four wheels on the car, to now knowing every different component of an engine and how it works - I think anyone can learn it."

Melvin credits the guidance of McLaren Automotive for keeping her career path moving and encouraged others not to be daunted by a career in engineering.

"Without McLaren, I definitely would not be where I am today, they've been so supportive of everything that I've wanted to go for," she said.

"If you want to do something and want to do something different, you shouldn't listen to anyone trying to tell you not to, because if put your heart and your mind into it, you can get there."

Backing from McLaren has also helped others to pursue their dream by providing them with the financial support that prevents opportunities being limited for students.

Data Integration Lead Chase Beswick, who joined McLaren Automotive after working as a labourer at the McLaren Technology Centre, completed a degree with the financial support from McLaren, allowing him to train without the financial burden of university debts.

"Knowing that McLaren is at the forefront of its industry always gave me the focus I wanted, as well as the fact that I was being supported to get the qualifications and embark on a career in engineering," he said.

"The thought of being able to get a degree without the costs associated around taking student loans was definitely an incentive for me - [as well as] the fact I was getting a salary at the same time."

The MACH Exhibition Show at Birmingham's NEC Arena on April 9-13, organised by the Manufacturing Trade Association (MTA), will have plenty of opportunities for young people to visit exhibitors and find out more about careers in engineering