A group of apprentices working in Formula One and studying at Milton Keynes College have been on a dream visit to Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of the sport.
The young people had the chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sport, all as guests of the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
MK College’s Engineering Workplace trainer, Jordan Smith, says it was the experience of a lifetime. “The apprentices were quite nervous at the beginning, so I asked them who they’d most like to speak to, and they said Sir Jackie Stewart, so we just walked up and said hello.” Jordan says the three-time World Champion could not have been kinder or more welcoming. “The apprentices are all big fans, but he was so nice to them. He told them they are the future of the motorsport industry, that they should be proud of their part in it, and he even thanked them for being involved.”
Milton Keynes Central MP, Emily Darlington says, “What a fantastic experience for this great group of apprentices. Milton Keynes is the heart of F1 and with institutions like Milton Keynes College and the Open University in our city, it's no surprise that so many young people in MK are making their mark. It’s also amazing to see so many more women getting involved in the sport. I’m so glad to see everyone’s talent recognised in Downing Street.”
One of the apprentices, Miah Wilson, was recently named as the youngest ever finalist in the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards. She says she’s it’s been a whirlwind few weeks to follow that with a visit to the Prime Minister’s home. “Visiting number 10 was an honour and a privilege. Seeing likeminded apprentices and others coming together at Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of F1 is an experience I shall never forget.”
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Jordan too, who’s only recently completed his teacher training at the College after a career in railway engineering. He says, “The College gave me the opportunity to move into teaching at just the right time, and I absolutely love it. I work with the apprentices on health and safety, electrical and fluid power, and it’s such a rewarding job. I’ve been able to do my own studies for my teaching qualifications alongside my work in the classroom, and it’s given me insights into different industries, visiting the apprentices at their employers in Formula One and other industries. It’s inspiring.”
Jordan says he was initially quite daunted by the idea of becoming a teacher, but he’s had brilliant support. “My Dad trained officers in the RAF, and between him and the people of the College who’ve looked after me along the way, I’ve always felt that there were people I could talk to about how to progress. I’ve really built my confidence in the classroom; I can put together my own lessons to make sure they’re engaging for the apprentices who are frankly, brilliant. It’s not like school in that they’re all there because they want to be. It’s the most rewarding job you could ever do.”
The College is currently on the lookout for teachers in a whole range of subjects, and while they’re keen to hear from experienced professionals, they’re also searching for people coming from industry like Jordan, and recent graduates with up-to-date knowledge of their subjects. The right candidates will be put through their teacher training while they begin their careers.
For more information on becoming a teacher at MK College: https://mkcollege.ac.uk/working-for-us/get-into-teaching/
