It was a trip to the races for five lucky Kwik Fit apprentices and their managers at Silverstone recently as they were selected to head to Silverstone for a day of BTCC action. This exclusive event was curated to showcase how exciting a career in the automotive industry can be.
The apprentices took a tour around the paddock of Britain’s most famous motor racing circuit – home of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix – which included garage talks, medical demonstrations, sim racing and media training.
Kwik Fit is the leading provider of automotive apprenticeships in the UK, with its programme ranked as Outstanding by Ofsted. Over 4,000 people have started their automotive careers on a Kwik Fit apprenticeship, with many progressing to a wide range of senior roles, both within Kwik Fit and with other companies in the sector.
The first stop was Goodyear, the BTCC’s official race tyre supplier, where the apprentices got a truly immersive experience preparing a tyre from scratch. They were walked through each step of the assembly by the technicians to create a tyre fit for race day.
TOCA medical were next on the agenda with a module packed full of life saving activities for both on and off the track. This included fire extinguisher training, CPR and defibrillator use and wound dressing.
It was then over to Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport where the apprentices got a fully comprehensive tour of Jake Hill’s title-chasing BMW 330e M Sport prepared by West Surrey Racing. The championship leading car was met with excitement as key elements of the car were explained including the engine, hybrid system and bodywork.
After a bite to eat and going head-to-head on the racing simulators, it was time to take a trip to the pitlane for two more garage talks. The first was provided by NAPA Racing UK where they hosted a road car vs BTCC race car comparison and explained the key differences that go into a championship contender.
This was swiftly followed by a tyre changing challenge with Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing where, alongside driver Aron Taylor-Smith, they competed against each other for the fastest pit stop time.
The final elements of the day included modules run by senior figures in the BTCC paddock, including Technical Director Sam Riches, who explained the responsibilities of TOCA Technical. BTCC presenter Alan Hyde also gave an insight in approaching the media as it’s not only drivers who are asked for comments over a race weekend.
Despite the jam-packed schedule, there was still time at the end of the day to enjoy the BTCC support package action including the ROKiT F4 British Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
Chris Littlewood, Kwik Fit Apprentice Coach, added: “This opportunity is really exciting for them all, these apprentices won our internal competition based off their performance, so they represent some of our best talent.
“Kwik Fit are really big on internal promotion and building from within – even myself started as a tyre fitter when I was 18 years old – so the scheme and days like this provide them with the best opportunity to build their career within Kwik Fit and the automotive industry.”
Michael Butler, Goodyear BTCC Event Leader, said: “The apprentices took to the challenge very well and what’s impressed me the most is how enthusiastic they are. It’s great that the next generation of fitters are engaged and eager to learn.
“I did an apprenticeship as well, so I think it’s the best way to start your career. It’s a brilliant way to teach skilled trades to the workforce and I’m proud that Kwik Fit are offering schemes that support this.”
Kwik Fit apprenticeships are available across the country, with programmes starting throughout the year. Those interested in applying for an apprenticeship at Kwik Fit should visit www.kwik-fit.com.
