The Motorsports Engineering course, which takes place at the University of Hertfordshire in July, will teach Year 12 students everything they need to know about life in the fast lane.
The three-day residential programme will work with professional and student engineers on cutting-edge topics such as high-speed aerodynamics, engine testing and vehicle design, while giving participants the chance get their first taste of university life by living on campus.
Other activities will see teens learn about 3D printing, computer-aided engineering (CAE), manufacturing prototypes and race car components. They will also improve key skills such as teamwork and leadership.
Dr Kevin P Stenson, chief executive of the Smallpeice Trust, the UK’s largest STEM education charity, which is running the course, said he hoped the initiative was designed inspire the next generation of motorsport stars.
“Motorsport isn’t just exciting entertainment – it also plays a crucial role in the development side of the automotive industry as a whole,” he said. “The course will provide an exciting, rewarding and comprehensive insight for young people looking to pursue a career in the motorsports, automotive or engineering sectors. Students will also gain practical experience of engineering principles, materials and technologies that shape the cutting-edge world of professional motorsport.”
Subsidies are available to applicants from some state schools to enable teens from all backgrounds to take part.
The trust is also running two other three-day residential engineering courses for Year 12 A-level maths students at the university in summer.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering will cover energy generation, smart digital system design and robotics. Working in state-of-the-art laboratories, students will also gain practical experience with digital oscilloscopes, signal generators, microcontroller boards and sensors and will have the opportunity to use virtual reality equipment.
Civil Engineering, meanwhile, will teach participants about all aspects of the industry, including the world’s tallest buildings and spectacular bridges, to airports, highways, hospitals, dams, high-speed rail and flood defences. Projects will cover areas such as the planning, design and construction of infrastructure, buildings and bridges.
All three courses take place from July 29-31. Food, accommodation and 24-hour supervision by qualified professionals will be provided. For more information visit https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/