Formula Student: A Platform for Future Engineers
At the prestigious Formula Student event, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) may not be competing, but they certainly have a significant presence. According to Dan Hammond, an engineering manager at the company, the competition serves as a platform for students to showcase their determination, ethos, and readiness for the industry. He emphasizes the importance of students going beyond the curriculum and honing their technical and soft skills, as well as their ability to present themselves effectively in engineering and business scenarios.
Emma Stopps, JLR’s early careers recruitment manager, highlights another objective of the firm’s participation in Formula Student: raising awareness about opportunities beyond motorsport within the engineering field. She notes that the event helps identify promising candidates who show potential for future roles within the company.
Kyle Hey, a mechanical design engineer at Yasa and a former Formula Student participant, credits the competition for shaping his attitude and resilience required for a career in the automotive industry. He stresses the significance of teamwork, especially during challenging moments, and the importance of building resilience through facing various obstacles.
For teams participating in Formula Student, the opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, and enhance intra-team skills is invaluable. Mark Byers, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Sheffield and the marketing director for Sheffield Formula Racing, underscores the significance of technical skills as well as project management and teamwork abilities. He explains that the competition prepares students to make quick decisions, work efficiently under pressure, and effectively resolve issues as they arise.
Formula Student serves as a breeding ground for future engineers, providing them with the necessary tools, experiences, and networking opportunities to thrive in the automotive industry. It is a platform where students can showcase their technical expertise, soft skills, and ability to work collaboratively towards a common goal. JLR’s involvement in the event not only highlights their commitment to nurturing young talent but also underscores the importance of preparing the next generation of engineers for success in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
